Research Scientist Electrophysiology Neurology

Mass General Brigham; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital lab is seeking a highly motivated electrophysiologist to join the Venkatesh Lab. The role focuses on cancer neuroscience, neuron-glioma circuits, and cutting-edge electrophysiology and imaging techniques.

The candidate will perform in slice and in vivo experiments, including patch clamp, advanced microscopy, and stereotactic procedures, contributing to publications and new neuro-oncology insights.

Qualifications

• Experience with in vitro and ex vivo patch clamp.
• Strong microscopy knowledge including confocal and 2-photon.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and scientific libraries.
• In vivo recording experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute in slice and ex vivo patch clamp electrophysiology/optical recordings for ongoing projects.
• Learn and adapt techniques to patch clamp cancer cells as well as neurons.
• Conduct microscopy imaging including confocal and 2-photon calcium imaging.
• Perform mouse survival surgeries and post-op care for various projects.
• Provide basic assistance to researchers in computing and analyzing data.

Skills

Patch clamp (in vitro/ex vivo)

Python for electrophysiological data

Microscopy (confocal, 2-photon)

In vivo recording

Education

PhD

Tools

pyABF

Neo

Elephant

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 Summary

The Venkatesh Lab (https://venkateshlab.org/) is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our pioneering research efforts in the emerging field of cancer neuroscience. Our lab's exciting new area of research lies at the intersection of cancer biology and neuroscience - we focus on characterizing and therapeutically targeting electrical components of disease pathophysiologies. By improving our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neuron-glioma communication and circuit formation in and outside of the brain, the Venkatesh Lab aims to harness the systems level microenvironmental dependencies of tumor growth to develop innovative therapeutic treatments.

We are looking for an Electrophysiologist with a background in ex-vivo/in-slice electrophysiology and advanced microscopy, strong organizational skills, and the ability to attain a high degree of independence in a new and dynamic research environment. In this role, the individual will conduct a variety of experiments including in slice and in vivo neuroimaging, stereotactic surgeries, and electrophysiology. As one of the first members of the Venkatesh lab team, the candidate will also contribute to research work and publications on novel neuron-glioma circuit interactions using advanced neuroscience techniques.

Research Support – 35%

• Execute in slice and ex vivo patch clamp electrophysiology/optical recordings for ongoing projects within the lab.
• Learn and alter techniques to patch clamp cancer cells as well as neurons.
• Conduct microscopy imaging including confocal and 2-photon calcium imaging.
• Perform mouse survival surgeries and post-op care for various projects and collaborations.
• Provide basic assistance to researchers in computing and analyzing data using specialized statistical computer software.

Independent Research – 30%

• Develop and explore independent projects within the field of cancer neuroscience under the direction of the PI.
• Independently Review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects.
• Spearhead new projects and technique building in the lab.

Analysis – 25%

• Publish scholarly reports and present at scientific conferences.
• Build and utilize custom Python scripts (e.g., using pyABF, Neo, or Elephant) to automate the parsing, feature extraction, and kinetic analysis of intracellular voltage and current-clamp recordings.
• Evaluate experiment results using statistical and multivariate analyses. Research, compile, and maintain complex statistical, numerical, and computerized reports.

Set up/Maintenance/Troubleshooting – 10%

• Construct a complete electrophysiology rig setup to fit the needs of the lab/planned experiments.
• Implement and develop in vitro electrophysiological protocols and assays to support multiple projects.
• Schedule and maintain records of equipment/facilities. May assemble, test, calibrate, clean, or make minor repairs to equipment.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

PhD Required. Ideally 3-5 years of previous experience in a research environment and 3+ years' experience with patch clamp.

• Experience with in vitro and ex-vivo patch clamp (cell lines, primary neurons, or slice electrophysiology).
• A strong understanding of microscopy (including brightfield, confocal and 2-photon), digital-imaging platforms, image quantification and interpretation is essential.
• Experience with other neuronal/glial function assays desirable. (eg. Ca2+ imaging, MEA)
• Expertise working with acute brain slice preparations and, ideally, primary neuronal cultures.
• In vivo recording experience a plus, but not required.
• Proficiency in Python for electrophysiological data analysis, including a strong grasp of scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas) and specialized ephys ecosystems for signal processing, trace visualization, and statistical modeling

The salary for this position ranges from $73,544 to $81,179.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

60 Fenwood Road

EEO 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 Framework

At 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.