Postdoctoral Scientist, Division of Oceans and Human Health – Aging Research

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) is an exciting independent research institute addressing critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment through innovative scientific research and education. GMGI is looking for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join our team studying the biology of exceptionally long-lived marine animals to understand the mechanisms underlying healthy aging. Our goal is to translate insights into interventions that promote human healthspan and combat age-related diseases. Our current focus is on long-lived sea urchins as models to understand molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms that promote longevity and negligible aging with emphasis on neuroprotective, immune resilience, and cancer resistance mechanisms. This position will focus on neuroprotective mechanisms that support maintenance of nervous system function with age to uncover novel interventions for prevention or treatment of age-related neurodegenerative disorders. This project will use a combination of molecular and cell biology along with ‘omics’ technologies to investigate mechanisms of neuro-resilience in long-lived animals.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team of collaborators. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic and motivated scientist to advance this innovative area of research in an entrepreneurial and exciting work environment.

Responsibilities:

·       Lead research projects related to mechanisms of neuroprotection and maintenance of nervous system function with age using long-lived sea urchins as a model system

·       Design and execute experiments using a combination of cellular and molecular techniques including single-cell RNA sequencing

·       Develop assays to evaluate nervous system function in sea urchins

·       Analyze experimental data with high proficiency using appropriate bioinformatic and statistical approaches

·       Lead the publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at scientific conferences

·       Contribute to grant proposals, institutional fund-raising activities and community outreach activities

·       Mentor interns and research staff as needed

Qualifications:

·       PhD in molecular or cell biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, or a related field

            ·       Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, molecular cloning and CRISPR gene editing

·       Experience generating and analyzing ‘omics data with particular expertise in single-cell RNA sequencing

·       Experience with cell culture techniques including ability to genetically manipulate cultured cells

            ·       Experience with brightfield and fluorescence microscopy

·       Strong computational skills and experience with standard bioinformatic and statistic software packages

            ·       Proficient with the Linux environment and knowledge in command line interface, writing shell scripts, and applying scripts                       of commonly used languages for biological data analysis (i.e. Perl, Python, R)

·       Strong publication record representing innovative, high-quality research

            ·       Experience working with sea urchins or other marine animals is desirable

·       Excellent communication and teamwork skills

·       Demonstrated record of leadership, integrity and flexibility

            ·       Enthusiasm and commitment to GMGI’s mission for science and education

This position will report to the Science Director.

It's our goal as an employer to provide an enriching and supportive environment for our employees. We are proud to offer a benefit package that includes:

·       Health and Dental Insurance

·       Medical and Dependent Flex Spending Accounts

·       Long Term Disability

·       Life Insurance

·       Paid Time Off

·       403(b) Retirement Plan

·       10 Paid Holidays

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US.

About GMGI

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) was launched in 2013 in the belief that the ocean represents a new source of opportunity. As a not-for-profit whose ambitious mission is to “address critical challenges facing our oceans, human health and the environment through innovative scientific research and education” GMGI is demonstrating that there is vast potential in marine science discovery powered by genomics.

GMGI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance and business need.

In addition to researching diversity in our oceans, GMGI is committed to supporting diversity in our workforce and classrooms. We know that having varied backgrounds and experiences stimulates discussion and new ideas. We are committed to taking action on diversity, equity, and inclusion through providing substantial training opportunities to increase our self-awareness as an organization, and building a team of staff and students from uniquely different backgrounds. Please visit our website for more information: www.gmgi.org