Senior Research Scientist- Neurology

NeuroMAP Lab located at 1381 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212

About the role

Join an exciting and transformative research initiative at The Ohio State University as a Senior Research Scientist supporting the newly established NeuroMAP (Neurodegenerative Mapping and Phenotyping) platform and NeuroATLAS pillar. This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to advance cutting-edge research in neurodegeneration through the integration of advanced tissue clearing, light-sheet microscopy, artificial intelligence, and multi-modal data analysis. The successful candidate will help shape a nationally competitive research program, develop innovative imaging and analytical methodologies, collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators across translational neuroscience programs, and contribute to securing extramural funding.

This position plays a critical role in the establishment, growth, and scientific advancement of NeuroMAP, with particular emphasis on the development and operation of NeuroATLAS (Advanced Tissue Light-Sheet Microscopy Analysis and Segmentation). The individual provides scientific leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of NeuroATLAS under the direction of the NeuroATLAS Director.

Ideal for an established investigator seeking scientific independence, collaborative opportunities, and access to world-class resources, this position offers the chance to make a lasting impact on neuroscience research and patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and execute a nationally competitive research program focused on neurodegeneration within the Department of Neurology.
• Contribute to the acquisition of extramural funding by generating innovative research data, providing subject-matter expertise, and serving as a co-investigator or collaborator on grant proposals submitted to federal agencies, foundations, and other external sponsors.
• Develop and lead independent and collaborative research initiatives aligned with NeuroMAP priorities and generate preliminary data to support competitive funding applications.
• Support advanced three-dimensional tissue phenotyping across the entire research workflow, including tissue clearing, multiplex immunolabeling, light-sheet microscopy, AI-enabled image analysis, and multi-organ data integration.
• Contribute to laboratory and core facility development through space planning, laboratory build-out, workflow design, equipment acquisition and implementation, method validation, and the development of standardized operating procedures.
• Conceive and test original scientific hypotheses; design, execute, and optimize complex experimental protocols; develop novel methodologies and technologies; and analyze, interpret, and disseminate research findings.
• Perform rigorous statistical analyses, evaluate large and complex datasets, and serve as an author and contributor to peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts, technical reports, and other scholarly publications.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations governing laboratory operations, including chemical hygiene, biosafety, radiation safety, and environmental health and safety requirements.
• Provide operational leadership for the laboratory and NeuroMAP facility, including oversight of equipment maintenance, inventory management, procurement activities, and quality assurance processes.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations, identify new research partnership opportunities, and contribute to the strategic growth of NeuroMAP and NeuroATLAS.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide professional development for research staff, postdoctoral scholars, residents, trainees, and students, ensuring the successful execution of research programs and the cultivation of a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent terminal degree) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with advanced expertise in a relevant scientific field.
• Substantial experience in high-resolution imaging, tissue clearing techniques (e.g., SHIELD, CLARITY, iDISCO), light-sheet microscopy, and biomedical image analysis, with preference given to experience in neurodegeneration, neuroimmunology, aging, or related research areas.
• Demonstrated expertise in independently establishing, optimizing, troubleshooting, validating, and standardizing advanced imaging and tissue-processing workflows.
• Experience with quantitative image analysis, machine learning applications, and the generation, quality control, integration, and interpretation of complex multimodal datasets.
• Ability to independently lead advanced imaging and tissue-processing operations while providing supervision, mentorship, and training to research staff and trainees.
• Successful completion of a background check; qualified candidates may be required to complete a pre-employment physical examination, including a drug screening.