Senior Research Scientist- Neurology

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead the NeuroMAP platform and NeuroATLAS pillar, advancing neurodegeneration research through tissue clearing, light-sheet microscopy, AI analysis, and multi-modal data integration.

The role emphasizes scientific independence, collaboration with translational neuroscience programs, and building a state-of-the-art research infrastructure while mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in biology, biomedicine, engineering, or related field.
• Extensive experience with imaging workflows and tissue processing.
• Ability to lead imaging operations, mentor staff, and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead NeuroMAP and NeuroATLAS initiatives and develop imaging methodologies.
• Shape a nationally competitive research program and secure extramural funding.
• Supervise and mentor research staff, postdocs, and trainees.
• Oversee tissue clearing, light-sheet imaging, and AI-driven data integration.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, safety, and core facility operations.

Skills

High-resolution imaging

Tissue clearing

Light-sheet microscopy

Biomedical image analysis

Machine learning applications

Mentorship & supervision

Education

Doctorate in Biology/Related field

Tools

AI-enabled image analysis

Job description

Minimum Education & Experience Required

Doctorate degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent terminal degree) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with advanced expertise in a relevant scientific field. Candidates must possess substantial experience in high-resolution imaging, tissue clearing techniques (e.g., SHIELD, CLARITY, iDISCO), light-sheet microscopy, and biomedical image analysis, with preference given to experience in neurodegeneration, neuroimmunology, aging, or related research areas. Demonstrated expertise in independently establishing, optimizing, troubleshooting, validating, and standardizing advanced imaging and tissue-processing workflows is required. Experience with quantitative image analysis, machine learning applications, and the generation, quality control, integration, and interpretation of complex multimodal datasets is strongly preferred. The successful candidate must also demonstrate the ability to independently lead advanced imaging and tissue-processing operations while providing supervision, mentorship, and training to research staff and trainees. Successful completion of a background check is required; qualified candidates may be required to complete a pre-employment physical examination, including a drug screening.

NeuroMAP Lab located at 1381 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212

Join an exciting and transformative research initiative at The Ohio State University as a Senior Research Scientist supporting the newly established NeuroMAP (Neurodegenerative Mapping and Phenotyping) platform and NeuroATLAS pillar. This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to advance cutting-edge research in neurodegeneration through the integration of advanced tissue clearing, light-sheet microscopy, artificial intelligence, and multi-modal data analysis. The successful candidate will help shape a nationally competitive research program, develop innovative imaging and analytical methodologies, collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators across translational neuroscience programs, and contribute to securing extramural funding. In addition to leading groundbreaking scientific discoveries, this position will play a pivotal role in building and optimizing a state-of-the-art research infrastructure, mentoring the next generation of scientists, and advancing Ohio State's growing leadership in Alzheimer's disease and neurodegenerative disease research. Ideal for an established investigator seeking scientific independence, collaborative opportunities, and access to world-class resources, this position offers the chance to make a lasting impact on neuroscience research and patient outcomes.

Thank you for your interest in working at Ohio State.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

The Senior Research Scientist is responsible for developing, leading, and executing a nationally competitive research program focused on neurodegeneration within the Department of Neurology, while supporting the development of a new multidisciplinary platform, NeuroMAP (Neurodegenerative Mapping and Phenotyping). This highly specialized position requires significant scientific independence and direct accountability for advancing the research mission, establishing collaborative programs, and managing core research operations. The individual provides scientific leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of NeuroATLAS (Advanced Tissue Light-Sheet Microscopy Analysis and Segmentation) under the direction of the NeuroATLAS Director. The primary responsibility of this role is to contribute to the acquisition of extramural funding by generating innovative research data, providing subject-matter expertise, and serving as a co-investigator or collaborator on grant proposals submitted to federal agencies, foundations, and other external sponsors. The individual develops and leads independent and collaborative research initiatives aligned with NeuroMAP priorities and generates preliminary data to support competitive funding applications.

The position plays a critical role in the establishment, growth, and scientific advancement of NeuroMAP, with particular emphasis on the development and operation of NeuroATLAS. The individual supports advanced three-dimensional tissue phenotyping across the entire research workflow, including tissue clearing, multiplex immunolabeling, light-sheet microscopy, AI-enabled image analysis, and multi-organ data integration. In addition to leading innovative research efforts, the individual contributes to laboratory and core facility development through space planning, laboratory build-out, workflow design, equipment acquisition and implementation, method validation, and the development of standardized operating procedures.

Responsibilities encompass the full research lifecycle, including the conception and testing of original scientific hypotheses; the design, execution, and optimization of complex experimental protocols; the development of novel methodologies and technologies; and the analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of research findings. The individual performs rigorous statistical analyses, evaluates large and complex datasets, and serves as an author and contributor to peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts, technical reports, and other scholarly publications. The individual is responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations governing laboratory operations, including chemical hygiene, biosafety, radiation safety, and environmental health and safety requirements. The position also provides operational leadership for the laboratory and NeuroMAP facility, including oversight of equipment maintenance, inventory management, procurement activities, and quality assurance processes.

In addition, the individual is expected to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, identify new research partnership opportunities, and contribute to the strategic growth of NeuroMAP and NeuroATLAS. The role includes direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development of research staff, postdoctoral scholars, residents, trainees, and students, ensuring the successful execution of research programs and the cultivation of a collaborative and innovative research environment.