Research Assistant, Neuropathology

Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Growth opportunities

Job summary

A research institute focused on brain disorders is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join the Neuropathology department. The role involves fresh brain processing, assisting with frozen dissections, and maintaining tissue inventories. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, along with excellent organizational and communication skills. The starting salary range is $39k – $44k, with opportunities for growth. Join a dedicated team where your efforts contribute to groundbreaking research and treatment advancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field is essential.
• Significant experience or interest in the medical field preferred.
• Comfortable and capable of working with postmortem specimens.

Responsibilities

• Process and store brain specimens.
• Assist with frozen brain dissections.
• Maintain tissue inventories and coordinate shipments.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work with postmortem specimens

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, or a related field

Job description

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

The Neuropathology department is seeking an enthusiastic and self‑motivated individual to join our research group. This position is part of a team that collects and curates postmortem human brain tissue and will participate in various research projects.

Overview of Duties

• Fresh brain processing and storage
• Assist with frozen brain dissections
• Tissue and sample preparation
• Maintain tissue inventories
• Assist with biorepository projects
• Coordinate shipments and transfers
• Collect postmortem brain specimens and preparing for research
• Analyze and select viable specimens
• Pack and transport specimens
• Establish rapport and strong partnership with the Medical Examiner’s Office

Clinical

• Assist with scanning, filing, and chart maintenance as assigned

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, or a related field is required

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy
• Significant experience or interest in the medical field or equivalent education
• Comfortable working with and collecting postmortem specimens
• Ability to work tactfully with varying personalities
• Able to maintain accurate electronic records
• Ability to manage time effectively

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 50 pounds and stored at varying heights
• 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 [e-mail].

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.

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, 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.