Postdoctoral Fellow Research Opening - Synthetic Biology Platform, George M. Church, Ph.D.
We seek outstanding applicants for an interdisciplinary postdoctoral position in molecular biology. The postdoctoral fellow will work with a collaborative team of academic, staff, and industrial researchers on FISSEQ (Fluorescent in situ sequencing) Technology. The position is in support of an IARPA Machine Intelligence from Cortical Networks (MICrONS) contract. The contract is a collaborative effort between the Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, MIT, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, and Columbia University to map cortical circuits from the synaptic level in the mouse brain
Specific goals will include developing FISSEQ technology to address limitations in the current methods and protocols. The candidate will be primarily responsible for developing FISSEQ in tissue sections and optimization with Proximity Ligation and transgenic mouse models. These responsibilities will require developing and validation of experimental protocols; organizing and assisting in collaborative efforts; writing and assisting with peer-reviewed publications, patent applications, and grant proposals. In addition, general laboratory responsibilities are required, such as maintaining budgets, equipment, supplies, and reporting laboratory results.
The candidate will investigate, modify and/or develop new protocols, procedures, or techniques to accelerate the completion of research goals. The candidate will identify resources in the Wyss community and beyond to approach research challenges; will conduct laboratory research, mentor and supervise the efforts of students and fellows; will collaborate with faculty and other researchers, acting as expert in specialized area; will participate in writing research proposals and reports to funding agencies, providing critical data, figures or information for grant and patent submissions; will write and collaborate with faculty and other researchers on manuscripts, abstracts, and other publications of research findings; will interact regularly with Core and Associate Institute faculty and Institute staff; will present research results at Wyss internal and external meetings. The candidate will train others on research methodology as well as the tools and approaches used to perform the research and collect, analyze and present the data to the research team and collaborators.
Candidates must have a PhD in Biology or related area, Molecular Biology preferred. At least 2 years of experience in molecular biology or related experience is required. Strong experience in synthetic biology, genetics, molecular biology protocols or related experience is necessary. Excellent molecular biology skills in library construction and DNA amplification are necessary. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, protocol development and troubleshooting skills. Good understanding of genetics. Experience with grant and publication writing are preferred. Able to complete complex tasks with minimal supervision. Able to coordinate work across a larger team. Experience with bioinformatics and biological scripting languages a plus (e.g., Python/BioPython, MATLAB). Experience in research and development within an academic environment is a plus. Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills are required to assist and collaborate with multidisciplinary groups of technology innovators in a dynamic team environment. Must be able to work in chemical and biological laboratory environments.
The mission of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University is to transform human healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. Developed as an alliance between Harvard and other premier academic and clinical partner institutions, Institute faculty and staff collaborate in high-risk, fundamental research and science-driven technology development. A major focus of the Institute is to translate the technologies developed by its faculty and staff into commercial products and therapies through collaborations with clinical investigators and establishment of corporate alliances
How to apply: applications should be assembled as single pdf file. This application should contain a cover letter briefly describing candidate's background and specific research interests, a full CV with a publication list, expected Ph.D. completion date, and the names and contact information for three references who might be contacted for recommendations
Applications should be sent to faculty_postdocs@wyss.harvard.edu using the subject line "IARPA FISSEQ APPLICATION." We strongly suggest sending applications before February 1, 2016 for full consideration; however, we will continue to look at applications until the position is filled.
Harvard University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and applications from women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged.
