Research Associate III- Vector Engineering Lab

The Vector Engineering laboratory led by Ben Deverman at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is looking for a research associate to join the team. We are a fast-paced and mission-driven collaborative laboratory focused on developing next-generation adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for neuroscience research and for CNS gene therapies. In this role, you will play a critical role in building and evaluating new AAV vehicles and genome designs for gene delivery to the brain with the ultimate goal of developing treatments for neurological diseases, including for prion disease in collaboration with the Vallabh/Minikel lab and Weissman lab (Whitehead).

The successful applicant will work closely with research scientists in the lab to support projects within the domains of molecular biology and neurobiology. There will also be opportunities for independent project leadership that can be scaled to the experience level of the successful applicant.

Preferred candidates will have hands on experience in several or more of the following responsibilities:

* Basic molecular biology techniques such as plasmid design and cloning, PCR and qPCR/ddPCR

* Extraction, purification, and quantification/detection of RNA, DNA, and protein from mammalian tissue sample

* Preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS)

* IP and IV injections in rodents

* Tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry staining, and in situ hybridization

* Imaging and cataloging of the AAV reporter and therapeutic candidate function in vivo using epifluorescence and confocal microscopy

* Sterile technique, tissue culture and transfections

QUALIFICATIONS

* B.S. or M.S. in molecular biology or similar field

* 3+ years of hands-on molecular biology and/or in vivo lab experience

* Experience working in a BL2/BL2+ environment

* Exceptional time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously

* Exquisite attention to detail and organizational capacity

* Ability to work flexibly to support multiple projects

Please apply with a CV and a cover letter. References will be requested upon follow up. We regret that we will not be able to reply to every applicant

Recent examples of our research: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm8386 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03466-w https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado7082 https://www.nature.com/articles/nbt.3440 https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002112 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50555-y https://www.nature.com/articles/nrd.2018.110 https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4593 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225206 https://www.nature.com/articles/s44161-022-00046-4