Scientist I

LOCATION: Cambridge, MA

SCHEDULE: Standard Business Hours

DURATION: 12-Month Contract (January 2027 – December 2027)

MAX PAY RATE:$46-51/hr

Job Responsibilities:

In this role, you will support exploratory discovery research within the Neurology Research Unit’s ALS Research Group, focusing on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting early-stage discovery research focused on target identification and target validation in ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases.
• Designing, executing, and analyzing molecular biology experiments to investigate genomic and proteomic alterations in ALS-related pathways.
• Performing molecular biology assays, including quantitative PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), gel electrophoresis, and western blotting.
• Conducting protein analysis and proteomic studies using immunoprecipitation (IP), HTRF, AlphaLISA, and MSD assay platforms.
• Performing mammalian cell culture, plasmid transfection, and viral transduction using human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines.
• Supporting target validation studies through immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Evaluating cellular co-localization, morphology, and phenotypic changes to characterize candidate therapeutic targets.
• Generating high-quality, reproducible experimental data to support hypothesis-driven research and scientific decision-making.

Essential Duties and Job Functions:

• Execute molecular and cellular biology experiments to investigate disease mechanisms and validate candidate therapeutic targets relevant to ALS.
• Perform qPCR, ddPCR, gel electrophoresis, and western blot assays to assess gene and protein expression.
• Conduct immunoprecipitation and protein quantification using HTRF, AlphaLISA, and MSD assay platforms.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform plasmid transfection and viral transduction in iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines.
• Perform immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis to assess cellular localization, morphology, and phenotypic characteristics.
• Assist with experimental design, assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Analyze experimental results and prepare preliminary data analyses, figures, and scientific summaries.
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of experimental methods, protocols, results, and observations.
• Contribute to internal scientific presentations and communicate findings to research team members.
• Collaborate with scientists to plan and execute hypothesis-driven studies supporting target identification and validation.
• Support research investigating approaches to modulate the structural and functional properties of key targets.
• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with established safety procedures, quality standards, and data integrity requirements.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong foundation in molecular biology, cellular biology, genomics, and proteomics.
• Hands-on experience with qPCR, ddPCR, western blotting, and protein analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including experience with iPSC-derived neurons and/or established cell lines.
• Experience with plasmid transfection and viral transduction techniques.
• Familiarity with immunoprecipitation, protein quantification assays, and platforms such as HTRF, AlphaLISA, and MSD.
• Experience with immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Understanding of cellular co-localization, morphology, and phenotypic assessment methods.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to design experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and optimize laboratory assays.
• Excellent experimental documentation practices and a strong commitment to data quality, reproducibility, and scientific rigor.
• Ability to interpret experimental data and communicate findings through figures, summaries, and presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple research activities and priorities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with scientists and cross-functional research teams.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and research quality standards.

Education & Experience:

• PhD or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, or a related scientific discipline.
• Training and technical expertise equivalent to advanced graduate-level study in a relevant field.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience in molecular and cellular biology.
• Experience with genomic and proteomic assays, including gene expression analysis and protein quantification.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and iPSC-derived neuronal models is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with ALS biology, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, or target validation research is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to generate reproducible experimental data, analyze results, and document scientific findings.

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