Research Fellow Neurology Korecka Lab

Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the Korecka Lab in the Department of Neurology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

The project explores microbiome-driven neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease dementia using human stem cell-derived microglia and co-culture models.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent doctorate or anticipated to such degree prior to start.
• Strong publication track record.
• Experience with human iPSC culture and differentiation; neural lineage knowledge preferred.
• Background in microglial, neuronal, or astrocytic differentiation from human cells.
• Gene knockdown and overexpression assays; CRISPR-based manipulation.
• RNAseq and/or single-cell RNAseq data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Trains technicians and visiting students.
• Contributes to scientific literature, reports, journals, and presentations.
• Develops and tests new methods and technologies for research advancement.
• Contributes to grant applications and to scientific collaborations.

Skills

PhD/MD/MD-PhD

Publication record

Human iPSC culture

CRISPR genetic manipulation

RNAseq analysis

Team collaboration

Education

PhD/MD/MD-PhD

Job description

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the Korecka Lab at BWH/HMS. The position will focus on an NIH-funded project investigating the neuroinflammatory and metabolomic mechanisms by which the gut microbiome contributes to Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Using human stem cell-derived microglia and complex microglia–astrocyte–neuron co-culture models, the project will define microbiome-dependent pathways that drive neuroinflammation and contribute to PDD pathology.The Korecka Lab investigates genetic and neuroimmune mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and genetic ataxia using patient-derived iPSC models, cellular functional assays, neuronal activity assays, genetic manipulation, and transcriptomic approaches, with the goal of uncovering disease mechanisms and identifying new genetic therapy strategies.The Fellow will work under the supervision of Dr. Joanna (Asia) Korecka at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. This is a highly collaborative training environment with exposure to multidisciplinary techniques in basic and clinical research. The Fellow will receive training, professional development, and mentorship during the appointment period. The appointment is time-limited and should be for a term of no longer than 5 years, with a minimum commitment of 3 years. Compensation will follow NIH postdoctoral stipend levels.QualificationsCandidate Qualifications:PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent doctorate or anticipated to such degree prior to startStrong publication track recordExperience with one or more of the following areas:Human iPSC culture and differentiationBackground on human microglial, neuronal, or astrocytic differentiation and cultureGene knockdown and overexpression assays, CRISPR-based genetic manipulationRNAseq data analysisSelf-motivated individual able to work both independently and in a team environmentResearches, develops, designs, executes, and interprets research experiments related to the neuroimmune mechanisms in PD.Contributes to scientific literature, reports, journals, and presentations.Investigates, creates, and develops new methods and technologies for research advancement.Contributes to grant applications.Trains technicians and visiting students.The successful candidate will have recently completed graduate studies in a PhD or MD/PhD program with a strong research and publication record in the biological sciences. Prior training in one field related to neuroscience, neuroimmunology, or genetics. The candidate should have advanced experience in one or more of the following areas: (1) working with human stem cells, (2) characterizing immune responses, (3) live cell functional assays, (4) generating and analyzing RNAseq and/or single-cell RNAseq dataWork will be performed at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases in the Department of Neurology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. This is a highly interdisciplinary training environment, with access to cutting edge technology and seminars related to both basic and clinical research.The salary for this position ranges from $73,544 to $81,179.Additional Job Details (if applicable)Additional Job Details (if applicable)IMPORTANT – APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONSPlease do not apply through the Workday “Apply” button.This position is being posted for informational purposes only. To be considered, please submit the following directly to the hiring manager by clicking the link below:CV/resumeCover letterContact information for three references [Click Here to Email Your Application]Remote TypeOnsiteWork Location60 Fenwood RoadEEO Statement:2200 The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.Mass General Brigham Competency FrameworkAt Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.