Principal Scientist Neuroscience Group

Principal Scientist Neuroscience Group

Reports to: Rob Meijers (Head of Neuroscience)

The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI) is a nonprofit research organization advancing protein science to accelerate research and improve human health. Located on the Harvard Medical School campus in the heart of the Boston life-science community, IPI is pioneering a new way of doing science that uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high-throughput scaling of industry to take on transformative projects.  IPI has built a robust platform and a repository of synthetic antibodies and other protein tools to share with the biomedical community through licensing and collaboration. The Institute’s deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and fit-for-purpose antibodies are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries for academic and industrial researchers worldwide. 

Job Overview

The Neuroscience group at IPI leverages antibody panels from the Antibody platform for specialized neuroscience applications, serving as a bridge to the neuroscience research community. The group investigates the applicability of antibodies in functional assays, and develops novel assays to test antibodies for fluorescent imaging, immunohistochemistry and electron tomography to study neuronal cell migration and synapse formation. The group will actively pursue external funding to support the development of antibody panels and applications. The group collaborates with leaders in the neuroscience community to acquire imaging technology and expertise, and work with the Antibody Characterization and Validation team at IPI to standardize protocols for eventual high-throughput implementation for antibody validation on the Platform.

The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI) is seeking a Principal Scientist to drive research at the intersection of molecular neuroscience and protein science, working alongside our Head of Neuroscience. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop innovative protein tools for the neuroscience community while shaping research directions in neuronal migration and synapse formation and expanding our cell biology activities at IPI.

The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in light microscopy imaging of neuronal cells and tissues, supported by a strong scientific track record of presentations, publications, and successful grant acquisition. This position requires exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

The Principal Scientist will actively engage with the molecular neuroscience community by organizing workshops, attending international conferences, and managing collaborative projects. We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record in developing research programs that leverage technical innovation in protein science to investigate fundamental mechanistic questions in molecular neuroscience.

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience in imaging of neuronal tissues and cell cultures. Demonstrate exceptionally strong writing skills, evidenced by a track record of publications and successful grant applications. Exhibit the ability to independently manage cell culture facilities and experiments. Show proficiency in quality control and process management, ensuring meticulous electronic documentation of experiments and collaboration protocols. Commit to effective collaboration within cross-functional teams. Be an efficient communicator capable of leading collaborations with external partners.

As this position is highly collaborative, strong communication and leadership skills are needed. The Principal scientist will engage with outside collaborators to learn about cutting edge imaging and cell biology techniques that need to be implemented at IPI and perform or supervise efficient pilot experiments so that the value of these new applications can be evaluated. The Principal scientist will supervise postdocs and technical personnel, plan experiments independently and report scientific results efficiently.  The Principal scientist is also expected to represent IPI at external meetings and conferences.

Responsibilities and Duties

Design and oversee cell biology assays using large antibody panels. Plan and execute imaging experiments to demonstrate the applicability of IPI’s antibodies in processes involving neuronal migration and synapse formation. Develop and refine protocols to standardize assays for seamless implementation on the Platform. Actively contribute to the solicitation and writing of grant applications. Represent IPI independently at scientific meetings and conferences. Recruit, train, and manage junior staff and postdoctoral researchers.

Qualifications

A PhD degree in cell biology or biophysics. A strong publication record in the field of cellular neurobiology. Well acquainted with light microscopy techniques and neuronal cell culture practices. Demonstrated ability to obtain research funding. Ability to work in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment. Enthusiastic team member with a strong commitment to mission and a desire to conduct impactful science. Excellent organizational, communication and documentation skills.

IPI is an independent 501(3)(c) nonprofit research organization and an equal opportunity employer. The Institute celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter specifying desired compensation to: [email protected].