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 to join the Ursini lab at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) as a Staff Scientist, further developing a current project aimed at identifying the link of placental development and its function with the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. To model this study, in vitro, they will culture induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogrammed from patients and healthy controls, and they will differentiate them into trophoblast stem cells (TSC), syncytiotrophoblasts (STB) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). Moreover, the Staff Scientist will implement a protocol to differentiate placental organoids. The Staff Scientist will then design and execute downstream analyses to detect whether and how patients’ placental physiology differs from the healthy control group. 

The Staff Scientist will also have an opportunity to develop a project aimed at detecting predictors of offspring outcome in maternal blood collected during the pregnancy complicated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. 

Overview of Duties:

- Experimental design

- Assay optimization and troubleshooting

- Oversight of laboratory staff

- TSC, STB, EVT differentiation of iPSCs

- perform techniques including the following but not limited to: 

o nucleic acid extraction

o RT-qPCR

o Western Blotting

o ELISA

o Next-Generation sequencing 

o single nuclei sequencing

o Immunocytochemistry

o Confocal microscopy

o Invasion assay on trans-well membrane plate

o Exosome isolation 

o ROS detection

- Communicating scientific findings through presentations and publications

- Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications:

- A PhD in molecular biology or a related field is required. 

- Previous laboratory experience is desired

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Expertise in stem cell and/or placental biology would be a plus. 

- Familiarity with cell cultures is preferred

- Good communication skills, both verbal and written 

- Excellent record-keeping skills 

- Ability to work in a collaborative scientific research environment as well as independently as needed

- Motivation to develop new research protocols to answer specific scientific questions.

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 

The Lieber Institute has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. All personnel must certify that they have obtained the necessary inoculations and to maintain a copy of that certification, which employees must provide at the Company's request. Exceptions to the COVID-19 and flu vaccine requirements may be provided, on a case-by-case basis, to individuals for either medical contraindications or sincerely held religious beliefs. Requests for a medical or religious exemption must be submitted in writing to jobs@libd.org. Personnel who do not receive the COVID-19 or flu vaccines due to an exemption must wear a mask in shared spaces. Personnel without documentation of vaccination or valid exemption will be considered noncompliant with coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination requirements. The employee will receive a written warning from their supervisor that they are not in compliance with the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination policy and will then have 15 days to comply (either through vaccination or valid exemption).

For additional information, applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/ https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-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 it 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.