Research Scientist II The Macosko Lab

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is one of the worlds leading biomedical research institutes. It seeks to discover the molecular basis of major human diseases develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics and disseminate discoveries tools methods and data openly to the entire scientific community. Founded in 2004 the Broad Institute includes faculty professional staff and students from throughout the MIT and Harvard biomedical research communities with collaborations spanning the globe.

The Macosko Lab within the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Neuroscientist to lead the application of our pioneering spatial profiling and molecular barcoding technologies. Our lab has redefined what is possible in neurobiology through the development of tools like Slide-seq Slide-tags and Synapse-seq. We are now looking for a scientific leader to harness these technologies to uncover the fundamental principles of nervous system cytoarchitecture.

In this role you will drive ambitious high-impact projects including the construction of a whole-hemisphere cell-type atlas of the human brain and the mapping of critical nigrostriatal and corticostriatal projections in the primate brain. As a subject matter expert you will bridge the gap between complex neuroanatomy and cutting-edge genomics ensuring the anatomical integrity of samples for downstream genomics assays. You will be embedded in a vibrant multidisciplinary ecosystem collaborating with world-class molecular biologists and computational scientists. This is a leadership-track position designed for a scientist who excels at the bench but is equally passionate about mentoring research associates refining sophisticated data workflows and representing our work within the BRAIN Initiative consortium. Your expertise will not only generate unprecedented data but will help shape the future of how we understand brain organization and disease.


Primary Job Responsibilities

• Define and oversee standard operating procedures for the anatomical verification of complex human postmortem samples for downstream genomics assays serving as the subject matter expert for sample integrity.
• Drive the design and production of highly diversified viral synaptic barcoding libraries optimizing protocols for maximum efficiency and specificity in primate models.
• Optimize cutting-edge spatial genomics assays for tracing these viral barcodes alongside gene expression data from primate dopaminergic neurons.
• Guide the development and maintenance of high-quality data analysis workflows collaborating directly with computational scientists to feed pipelines for complex datasets resulting in robust and specific biological insights.
• Train and supervise research associate(s) to assist with bench research and data collection.
• Participate in BRAIN initiative consortium working groups related to the project.

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience Molecular Biology or a related field with a proven track record of scientific leadership as evidenced by high-impact first-author publications.
• A minimum of 2 years of work experience in the field; may include post-doctoral experience.
• Deep technical expertise in molecular biology and experimental genomics; candidates must demonstrate the ability to design and execute complex original research independently.
• Strong foundation in neuroanatomy specifically the practical ability to navigate and verify rodent and/or primate brain structures for precise tissue sampling.
• Postdoctoral experience (highly preferred) demonstrating advanced training and the maturity to mentor junior staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• A repertoire of bioscience computational data analysis skills is a highly desirable additional attribute and experience navigating large-scale genomic datasets.
• Demonstrated experience training research associates or students in a laboratory setting.
• Interdisciplinary fluency with the communication and organizational skills required to lead projects across a collaborative ecosystem of neuroscientists and computational biologists.