Details
Posted: 14-May-22
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Salary: Unpaid
Internal Number: 3191128-3499_1652390890
GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
We are seeking an individual with outstanding technical and project management skills to provide leadership in the biofluid biomarker development activities of the MassGeneral Interdisciplinary Brain Center, Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and MGH Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease. Using blood, cerebrospinal fluid and/or other tissues from multiple clinical neuroscience research studies, the candidate will develop and implement measurement assays for these using advanced immunochemical, mass spectrometric an/or genomic technologies, and investigate the role and utility of these biomarkers in aging, Alzheimer's disease and a wide variety of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. The candidate will help develop automated workflows and oversee multiple biomarker projects as part of the biomarker core's activities, including rigorous attention to quality control, safety and regulatory compliance.
Applicants may come from diverse training backgrounds, but should have expertise and familiartity with methodologies from one or more fields: cell and molecular biology, clinical chemistry and laboratory science, clinical neurology, neuroscience or neuroimmunology. Previous experience with biomarker research would be highly valued. Experience with clinical and interventional trials is not expected. The incumbent can look forward to presenting their research findings at regular lab meetings, and at the local, national, and international level, and to publish, as possible
The Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard communities offer an extraordinarily rich and diverse opportunity for collaboration, learning, and mentorship alongside a highly talented pool of researchers and clinicians. The MADRC is a multidisciplinary research group which includes clinicians, biomarker and pathology researchers, neuroimaging experts, and data management and biostatisticians collaborating in studies, and sharing resources and services to guide training, knowledge gathering, and ultimately improving health care delivery to treat Alzheimer's disease. The ACTRU, working within the MADRC, is directed by Dr. Steven Arnold, MD, and is comprised of a collegial group of individuals of all ages and levels of training and leadership.
The ACTRU is actively engaged in efforts to increase diversity both in our lab and in our clinical trials, and we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, all gender identities and ages, and individuals aligned with these interests.
Please include a cover letter with your application detailing your specific interest in this position and how your previous experience relates to the principal duties of the role.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide leadership in the biofluid biomarker discovery and development activities of the MassGeneral Interdisciplinary Brain Center, Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and MGH Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease.
Working with collaborators and core laboratories / biotech partners to design experimental set-up and prepare samples for immunochemical, proteomic, metabolomic and genomic technologies, including automated and microfluidic ELISA, mass spectrometry, proximity extension assay, PCR, RNASeq and epigenetics, and working with bioinformaticians to validate and implement robust biomarkers to enable clinical neuroscience reserch, test key hypotheses and generate new exploratory research avenues.
Working with the scientist's supervisor to set benchmarks for diagnostic and treatment trials testing and collaborating with trial clinicians to integrate molecular data with clinical, neurocognitive, neuroimaging and other outcomes.
In collaboration with the ACTRU data analysis team, perform assessment of data quality control metrics, analyze data and perform statistical testing, and prepare figures and manuscripts for publication.
Supervise technicians and students in the lab when appropriate.
Participate in weekly lab meetings and present data. Present data through publication of manuscripts and attendance at local, national and international conferences.
Qualifications SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, creative, and have a strong motivation to learn
- Technical expertise in molecular or cellular-based approaches to neuroscience, immunology, and / or cell biology is strongly preferred.
- Experience analyzing -omics data is preferred but not essential. Familiarity with programming in R is an advantage.
- Must have excellent interpersonal, speaking, and writing abilities. Previous first-author publications or publications in process are preferred.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
EDUCATION:
Doctoral degree required.
Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training: PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, clinical chemistry or laboratory sciences, immunology, biochemistry, neurosciences, systems biology, or a related field is required.
Equivalent Experience: Candidates who can demonstrate equivalent experience to a PhD through work in a cellular / molecular biology laboratory, for example, will be considered.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Minimum of 5 years of relevant work in an immunology, cellular or molecular biology laboratory.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Will assist PI with ordering using the electronic ordering system. Will record spending to assist in monitoring budgets. Will consider opportunities to apply for fellowship support if / when appropriate, with the full support of the principle investigator.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The incumbent will have a desk and bench in the primary laboratory in Building 114 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, equipped with a networked computer. Incumbent will spend their time predominantly in Building 114's wetlab space in the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Primary Location: USA-MA-Charlestown Work Locations: 114 16th Street Charlestown 02129
Secondary Location: USA-MA-Charlestown Work Locations: 149 13th Street Charlestown 02129
EEO Statement Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.Partner's Healthcare is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
