Postdoctoral Research Fellow Venkatesh Lab

Site: The Brigham and Womens 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 at Brigham and Womens Hospital (BWH) and Harvard Medical School is a pioneering research group at the forefront of cancer neuroscience exploring the intersection of cancer biology and neuroscience. Our work focuses on uncovering the electrical and molecular mechanisms driving neuron-cancer communication. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to map neural circuitry and modulate neural activity we aim to bridge the gap between cancer biology and systems neuroscience offering new therapeutic possibilities.

Our research characterizes and therapeutically targets neural pathways in both the PNS and CNS with the goal of developing innovative treatments by exploiting tumor microenvironment dependencies at the neuron-tumor interface. This interdisciplinary approach combines cutting-edge neuroscience techniques with cancer biology to redefine our understanding of malignancy and its systemic connectivity with the brain and body.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in neuroscience techniques and a passion for exploring the electrical underpinnings of cancer progression. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of two constantly evolving fields with direct implications for the development of novel cancer therapies.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

Research & Experimental Design

-Lead and execute independent and collaborative research projects focused on neuron-cancer interactions particularly within the PNS-tumor interface.

-Design and perform experiments to investigate the electrical components of cancer pathophysiology including neural modulation of tumor growth and malignant transformation.

-Utilize state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques (e.g. electrophysiology optogenetics chemogenetics calcium imaging in vivo neural recordings and behavioral assays) to dissect neural circuitry involved in cancer progression. -Develop and apply molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g. CRISPR single-cell RNA sequencing spatial transcriptomics and immunofluorescence) to characterize neural and tumor cell interactions.

-Map systemic brain-body connectivity and its role in cancer biology using advanced imaging (e.g. two-photon microscopy light-sheet microscopy) and tracing methods.

Technical Expertise

- Experience with rodent models (e.g. mouse handling surgical procedures stereotaxic injections) is required.

- Experience with neural modulation techniques such as Optogenetics chemogenetics (DREADDs) or pharmacological manipulation of neural circuits.

- Skilled in advanced imaging including Confocal microscopy two-photon imaging light-sheet microscopy or super-resolution imaging. - PCR qPCR Western blotting immunofluorescence FACS CRISPR-Cas9 viral vector design and in vitro cell culture (primary neurons iPSCs or cancer cell lines).

- Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using tools such as MATLAB Python R or FIJI/ImageJ. Experience with neural data analysis (e.g. Spike2 NeuroExplorer or custom scripts) is a plus.

- Familiarity with electrophysiology ideally Patch-clamp recording is a plus. Collaboration & Communication -Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists and cancer biologists at all stages of training.

-Present research findings at lab meetings departmental seminars and national/international conferences.

-Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals and contribute to grant proposals.

-Mentor graduate students undergraduate researchers and technical staff as needed.

Collaboration & Communication

-Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists and cancer biologists at all stages of training.

-Present research findings at lab meetings departmental seminars and national/international conferences.

-Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals and contribute to grant proposals.

-Mentor graduate students undergraduate researchers and technical staff as needed.

-Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional ethical and regulatory standards (e.g. IACUC biosafety).

Qualifications & Requirements

Ph.D. in Neuroscience Cancer Biology Molecular/Cellular Biology Bioengineering or a related field.

Strong publication record demonstrating expertise in neuroscience techniques and/or cancer biology.

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative fast-paced research team.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Hands-on experience with at least 3 of the following techniques:

-Electrophysiology (patch-clamp in vivo recordings) -Optogenetics/chemogenetics

-Advanced microscopy (two-photon confocal light-sheet) -In vivo murine models (rodent survival surgery )

Preferred Qualifications

-Experience in cancer neuroscience neuro-oncology or tumor microenvironment research.

-Familiarity with single-cell omics (scRNA-seq spatial transcriptomics) or bioinformatics analysis.

-Experience with in vivo imaging of neural activity (e.g. GCaMP voltage indicators).

-Knowledge of neuroimmunology neuroinflammation or glia-neuron interactions in the context of disease. -Prior work with patient-derived samples or co-culture systems.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

The salary for this position ranges from $73544 to $81199.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please 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 Hamsa Venkatesh by clicking the link below:

CV/resume

Cover letter

Contact information for three references

Please note: Applications submitted through Workday will not be forwarded to the hiring manager and may not be reviewed.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

60 Fenwood Road

EEO Statement:

2200 The Brigham and Womens 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 Veterans 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 .

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.