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 highly motivated individual with previous wet bench experience to join our interdisciplinary neuroscience research group as a Research Assistant. This position performs single cell and spatial transcriptomics experiments on postmortem human brain tissue within a dynamic team-based environment while maintaining inventory of essential laboratory reagents and consumables. Works closely with a Staff Scientist to implement large-scale data collection workflows for multiple projects using the 10x Genomics spatial (Xenium, Visium) and single cell (Chromium) platforms. These experiments are aimed to generate transcriptome-scale maps at cellular resolution in various regions of the human brain with the goal of understanding differences in spatial gene expression in the context of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Overview of Duties:
· Single molecule fluorescence in-situ hybridization
· Cryosectioning, histological or immunofluorescence staining
· 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.
Required:
· Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, 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
· Basic Pipetting skills
· Ability to work with postmortem human brain tissue
· 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
· Ability to plan and execute experiments with minimal oversite
· Time management skills are essential to ensure completion of multiple projects within a specified timeframe
· Basic knowledge of sound experimental design
· Ability to maintain detailed and organized records of experiments, and report experimental deviations immediately to the supervisor.
· 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:
· Microscopy
· Single cell sequencing
· Spatial transcriptomics
· Neuroanatomy
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 based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process.
Benefits
The Lieber Institute for Brain Development offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package to help us attract and retain the best talent. Please visit https://www.libd.org/careers/benefits/ for more information.
EEOC Statement: At the Lieber Institute, we are committed to a work environment of mutual respect where employment decisions are based on merit. As an equal opportunity employer, the Lieber Institute does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, military service, or other non-merit based factors protected by state or federal law or local ordinance, with regard to any position or employment for which the applicant or employee is qualified.
LIEBER INSTITUTE FOR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT'S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
The Lieber Institute for Brain Development is a transparent and collaborative community working to produce unique and imaginative patient-oriented solutions to developmental neuropsychiatric disorders. It is committed to integrating scientists from diverse disciplines, cultures, and countries into a research team that draws upon the best of its staff. The Institute is historic—it is defining a unique model for ground-breaking science. It values translational science that revolutionizes the field and improves the quality of life for those affected by mental illness. The Institute provides an environment that fosters independent growth through mentorship and a supportive, collegial community. Diverse minds, ideas, and talent are needed to support LIBD's mission. Fresh, innovative ideas and perspectives are a competitive necessity in an increasingly diverse and global marketplace. The success of the Institute's mission depends upon leveraging a diversity of talent.
The Institute's commitment to diversity goes beyond compliance with laws and regulations that promote equal employment opportunity, prohibit discrimination and harassment, and support minority and woman owned businesses. To realize the advantages of its diversity, it is necessary to work effectively together even when differences challenge us to consider ideas and methods that seem impractical or make us feel uncomfortable.
The Lieber Institute for Brain Development demonstrates its commitment to diversity by:
- Including others: Talent is not limited to those with a narrow set of industry and academic credentials. The Institute is committed to building diverse teams, inviting others to share their perspectives, seeking out a diversity of input when making decisions, questioning traditional thinking, and promoting continuous learning and development.
- Respecting one another: The Institute is committed to listening carefully to others, seeking consensus, engaging in active and constructive debate, thoughtfully challenging one another, and providing constructive feedback.
- Building trust: The Institute is committed to sharing information and resources, depending on one another to get things done, keeping promises, and conveying high integrity in all actions.