Staff Scientist - In Vivo Neuroscience

A little about us:

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) was established in 2010 to plot a new course in biomedical research that would change the lives of individuals affected with developmental brain disorders. We are one of the only research institutions in the world focused specifically on understanding how genes and the environment influence the way our brains develop that lead to conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder and related developmental brain disorders. Through our cutting-edge research, answers are emerging and being translated into a robust pipeline of new drugs in development. And, by focusing on genes and their dynamic interplay with the environment, we are getting even closer to the “holy grail” in medical research, the discovery of strategies for primary prevention.

We are a group of dedicated, multidisciplinary and optimistic researchers, working at the cutting edge of science, utilizing state-of-the-art tools to unlock the mystery of the brain and transform the way we approach the development of new treatments, and ultimately cures. LIBD is an independent 501(c)(3) medical research institute located in the Bioscience Park on the campus of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

Job Summary:

The Drug Discovery and Development Group is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join our In Vivo Pharmacology team. Our multidisciplinary group of medicinal chemists, biochemists, and neuroscientists is dedicated to identifying and validating novel therapeutics for schizophrenia and related neuropsychiatric disorders. The successful candidate will play a key role in applying advanced neuroscience techniques to explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying disease progression and therapeutic intervention. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery efforts in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and execute in vivo pharmacology studies, leveraging modern neuroscience methodologies such as:

• Fiber photometry for real-time neural circuit analysis
• Optogenetic and DREADD-based manipulations for targeted brain manipulations
• Touchscreen-based cognitive behavioral assays in rodent models
• Neurochemical biomarker identification and validation

1. Develop and optimize experimental protocols related to in vivo pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) assessments of novel compounds.
2. Lead and contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and presentations for internal and external collaborators.
3. Maintain the research animal colony and oversee compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines for animal research.
4. Collaborate across disciplines (e.g., chemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics) to integrate in vivo findings with broader drug discovery efforts.
5. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years related experience
• Ph.D. is strongly desired
• Expertise in stereotaxic surgery and fiber photometry in mice is required.

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in rodent behavioral assays (e.g., cognitive, social, and sensorimotor testing).
• Experience with pharmacological studies in preclinical models, including drug administration techniques (e.g., intraperitoneal injection, oral gavage, microinjections).
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Excellent communication skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Physical Requirements:

· Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods of time;

· Reaching and grasping to manipulate objects with fingers;

· Mobility, including the ability to maneuver around a laboratory setting including the ability to move materials weighing up to 25 pounds;

· Communication skills using the spoken and written word;

· Having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication;

· All other physical demands in a standard laboratory environment.

** If accommodations are needed due to pregnancy or a disability, please contact jobs@libd.org.

Compensation

Candidates are hired within the starting salary range for the position which is the lower portion of the overall range. The starting salary range for this position is $70k - $80k with opportunities for employee growth over time. Placement in the starting range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process.

Benefits

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package to help us attract and retain the best talent. Please visit https://www.libd.org/careers/benefits/ for more information.

EEOC Statement: At the Lieber Institute, we are committed to a work environment of mutual respect where employment decisions are based on merit. As an equal opportunity employer, the Lieber Institute does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, military service, or other non-merit based factors protected by state or federal law or local ordinance, with regard to any position or employment for which the applicant or employee is qualified.

LIEBER INSTITUTE FOR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT'S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development is a transparent and collaborative community working to produce unique and imaginative patient-oriented solutions to developmental neuropsychiatric disorders. It is committed to integrating scientists from diverse disciplines, cultures, and countries into a research team that draws upon the best of its staff. The Institute is historic—it is defining a unique model for ground-breaking science. It values translational science that revolutionizes the field and improves the quality of life for those affected by mental illness. The Institute provides an environment that fosters independent growth through mentorship and a supportive, collegial community. Diverse minds, ideas, and talent are needed to support LIBD's mission. Fresh, innovative ideas and perspectives are a competitive necessity in an increasingly diverse and global marketplace. The success of the Institute's mission depends upon leveraging a diversity of talent.

The Institute's commitment to diversity goes beyond compliance with laws and regulations that promote equal employment opportunity, prohibit discrimination and harassment, and support minority and woman owned businesses. To realize the advantages of its diversity, it is necessary to work effectively together even when differences challenge us to consider ideas and methods that seem impractical or make us feel uncomfortable.

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development demonstrates its commitment to diversity by:

• Including others: Talent is not limited to those with a narrow set of industry and academic credentials. The Institute is committed to building diverse teams, inviting others to share their perspectives, seeking out a diversity of input when making decisions, questioning traditional thinking, and promoting continuous learning and development.
• Respecting one another: The Institute is committed to listening carefully to others, seeking consensus, engaging in active and constructive debate, thoughtfully challenging one another, and providing constructive feedback.
• Building trust: The Institute is committed to sharing information and resources, depending on one another to get things done, keeping promises, and conveying high integrity in all actions.