Research Associate I - Nehme Lab

The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard is looking for an outstanding research associate to join the Nehme Lab at the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research. Based on unprecedented insights into the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, the Nehme lab aims to uncover key disease mechanisms using human stem cell derived models. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary group and perform cutting-edge research on the molecular, cellular and neurobiological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. Specifically, the candidate will generate human brain cell types from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in vitro, in order to investigate causal relationships between disease-associated genetic variants and neuronal phenotypes. The candidate will address fundamental scientific questions, formulate hypotheses, design and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, and write and publish original papers, often in teamwork with other lab members and external collaborators. We emphasize research training and career development for all lab members. Research activities will take place at the Broad Institute. Characteristic Duties: Develop and apply multiple methods to routinely maintain and manipulate different types of cell cultures, primary rodent neural culture, or human pluripotent stem cells and stem cell derived neurons and astrocytes Generate disease­relevant human neurons or astrocytes from hPSCs in vitro Perform basic molecular biology such as plasmid construction, qPCR, RNA sequencing library preparation and QC. Perform basic biochemical manipulations and analysis such as protein lysate preparation, western blotting, and immunoprecipitation Assist with related lab management duties Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide technical expertise and develop project specific protocols Troubleshoot to resolve problems and participate in new technology evaluation, development and implementation Document, compile, and analyze experimental data Attend and present at team meetings to share results, plan projects and experiments, and ensure that projects support team goals May perform other duties as assigned Qualifications: B.S./B.A. in biology, neurobiology, chemistry, molecular/cellular biology or a related field Minimum 1-2 years of industrial or academic experience in mammalian tissue culture Experience with stem and/or neuronal cell culture preferred Prior molecular, cellular and biochemical experience preferred Experience in computational/bioinformatics approaches to biological problems preferred Outstanding personal initiative and communication skills Must be able to work independently and on multidisciplinary project teams Exceptional organizational and time management skills, lab notebook practices and attention to detail Must be willing and able to develop and shift plans in service of a rapidly changing environment and troubleshoot to solve problems