Scientist II

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Scientist–Neuroimmunology The Neuroimmunology team is seeking a motivated and technically-skilled individual with strong CNS cell biology skills to join our Cambridge-based team.
• Candidates will be able to work to collaborate with colleagues across diverse functional areas including genetics, chemical biology, immunology and pharmacology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Culturing of stable cell lines, primary and iPS-derived microglia to support the study of disease associated functions and phenotypes that will support identification and validation of Client therapeutic targets to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
• The responsibilities of the Neuroimmunology team member include: assist in developing and performing disease-relevant cell-based functional assays and perform high content imaging, biochemical and molecular profiling techniques.
• The successful candidate will be able to communicate data clearly and concisely to the appropriate teams and stakeholders and thrive in a team environment.

Education and Experience:

• BS/BA degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology Bioengineering, Biotechnology or equivalent degree with a at least 2+ year of industry or academia experience.
• Proven experience in image acquisition and strong microscopy skills and strong working knowledge of mouse neuroanatomy.
• Some experience with method optimization, troubleshooting and strong critical thinking skills.
• Experience working immortalized cells lines, primary rodent neurons and glia (e.g. microglia).
• Experience with plate based high content imaging microscopy , live cell imaging.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative image analysis.
• Experience with cellular signaling and functional studies including phagocytosis and/or cell motility measures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong general knowledge of cell culture methods and sterile technique.  human iPS-derived CNS cell models including microglia and neurons.
• Understanding of standard cell transfection techniques using lipid-based and electroporation methodology.
• Cell staining methods including Immunofluorescence and cell masks or cell structural staining methods.
• Ability to work independently on data analysis including a practical knowledge of statistics.
• Working understanding of biochemical and molecular biology techniques including protein and RNA extraction, quantitation and detection methods such as western-blot, ELISA and qPCR.
• Strong oral, written and presentation skills with ability to explain concepts clearly in lab and small team settings.