Research Assistant - Imaging Development

Description

 A little about us:

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) was established in 2010 to plot a new course in biomedical research that would change the lives of individuals affected with developmental brain disorders. We are one of the only research institutions in the world focused specifically on understanding how genes and the environment influence the way our brains develop that lead to conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder and related developmental brain disorders. Through our cutting-edge research, answers are emerging and being translated into a robust pipeline of new drugs in development. And, by focusing on genes and their dynamic interplay with the environment, we are getting even closer to the “holy grail” in medical research, the discovery of strategies for primary prevention.

We are a group of dedicated, multidisciplinary and optimistic researchers, working at the cutting edge of science, utilizing state-of-the-art tools to unlock the mystery of the brain and transform the way we approach the development of new treatments, and ultimately cures. LIBD is an independent 501(c)(3) medical research institute located in the Bioscience Park on the campus of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with previous wet bench experience in molecular and cellular neurobiology to join our interdisciplinary research group as a Research Assistant. This position is open to scientists with undergraduate level training seeking a position within a translational research setting in a dynamic team-based environment. Projects aim to generate transcriptome-scale maps in various regions of the human brain to understand differences in spatial gene expression in normal development, aging, and neuropsychiatric disorders. 

Overview of Duties: 

· Single molecule fluorescence in-situ hybridization

· Cryosectioning, histological or immunofluorescence staining

· Cell culture

· Image analysis

· Nuclei isolation and FACS 

· NGS library construction

· Manage ordering and reagent inventories

· Generate figures, organize data, present, and explain data

*This position description is intended to serve as a summary of the general purpose and essential functions of this position. It may change as circumstances warrant and may include other duties as deemed necessary by management.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

· Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology or a related field

· Previous wet bench experience in the form of undergraduate course work with lab components OR independent laboratory research from an accredited lab 

*Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position.

Required Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Excellent organizational and communication skills

· Pipetting skills

· Ability to work with postmortem human brain tissue

· Ability to execute experiments independently

· Ability to participate in experimental design and data analysis

· Willingness to follow technical protocols and heed other oral/written instructions is essential.

Familiarity with any of the following topics or techniques is a plus:

· Confocal Microscopy

· Image analysis

· Single cell sequencing

· Spatial transcriptomics

· Neuroanatomy

· Cell culture

· Next generation sequencing

Physical Requirements:

· Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods of time;

· Reaching and grasping to manipulate objects with fingers;

· Mobility, including the ability to maneuver around a laboratory setting including the ability to move materials weighing up to 25 pounds;

· Communication skills using the spoken and written word; 

· Having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication;

· All other physical demands in a standard laboratory environment.

** If accommodations are needed due to pregnancy or a disability, please contact jobs@libd.org.  

Compensation

Candidates are hired within the starting salary range for the position which is the lower portion of the overall range. The starting salary range for this position is $39k - $44k with opportunities for employee growth over time. Placement in the starting range is