Scientist I

Location: Cambridge, MA • Schedule: Standard Business Hours • Duration: 12-Month Contract (January 2027 – December 2027) • Max Pay Rate: $46–51/hr

Responsibilities

• Support exploratory discovery research within the Neurology Research Unit's ALS Research Group, focusing on understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Support early-stage discovery research focused on target identification and target validation in ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases
• Design, execute, and analyze molecular biology experiments to investigate genomic and proteomic alterations in ALS-related pathways
• Perform molecular biology assays, including quantitative PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), gel electrophoresis, and western blotting
• Conduct protein analysis and proteomic studies using immunoprecipitation (IP), HTRF, AlphaLISA, and MSD assay platforms
• Perform mammalian cell culture, plasmid transfection, and viral transduction using human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines
• Support target validation studies through immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis
• Evaluate cellular co-localization, morphology, and phenotypic changes to characterize candidate therapeutic targets
• Generate high-quality, reproducible experimental data to support hypothesis-driven research and scientific decision-making
• 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

Requirements

• 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 foundation in molecular biology, cellular biology, genomics, and proteomics
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience in molecular and cellular biology
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Demonstrated ability to generate reproducible experimental data, analyze results, and document scientific findings