Post Doctoral Fellow

Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders

The Translational Neuroscience Laboratory at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and stress-related symptoms. The position will focus on human postmortem brain studies integrating single-cell transcriptomics, advanced microscopy and quantitative image analysis, and primary human brain cell culture.

Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will include:

• Performs independent and highly specialized experimental procedures
• Designs and implements modifications of research protocols
• Troubleshooting problems and instructing colleagues in highly specialized techniques
• Synthesizes and interprets results
• Performs advanced data recording and analysis using various software programs and statistical techniques
• Maintaining organized and detailed records of laboratory experiments in electronic laboratory notebooks
• Presentation of results at lab meetings and national conferences
• Preparation and submission of research manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
• Assisting with preparation of grant applications
• Other duties as assigned

A successful candidate will:

• Work independently under general direction of the Principal Investigator
• Be motivated, meticulous, organized, and detail-oriented
• Demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm for learning new techniques
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Possess strong technical abilities and computer science skills
• Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by publications and presentation
• Possess the ability to make independent and effective decisions in a timely fashion
• Possess competence in research techniques and methodologies
• Have excellent interpersonal skills
• Be a team player who works well with other lab members

Qualifications

Candidates should hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, molecular or cellular biology, neurobiology, neuropathology, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• Fluorescence or confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis
• Human postmortem brain research, neuroanatomy, or neuropathology
• Primary cell culture or iPSC-derived neural, glial, or vascular cells
• Single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing
• Molecular biology, histology, or multiplex RNA/protein detection
• Blood–brain barrier or neurovascular-unit biology
• Glial biology, neuroimmunology, or stress and immune signaling
• Bioinformatics, transcriptomic analysis, or integration of multimodal datasets

Strong candidates will demonstrate scientific curiosity, careful attention to experimental rigor, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Prior experience in every methodology is not required; training will be tailored to the fellow's background and research goals.

If interested in the position, please email a cover letter, CV, and three references to Sabina Berretta, M.D. (s.berrettavard.edu)