Postdoctoral Research Fellow- Molecular mechanisms of aging and accelerated aging human brain

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

The Mavrikaki Lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Harvard Medical School is seeking a highly motivated and creative junior Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead high-impact studies investigating the molecular mechanisms driving brain aging and cognitive decline. Our laboratory integrates spatial transcriptomics, multi-omic approaches, advanced molecular biology, and in vivo mouse models to resolve key pathways underlying brain aging.

Building upon our recent landmark work—including spatial transcriptomic and microRNA atlases of the adult lifespan human prefrontal cortex—the successful candidate will drive research exploring how specific cell populations regulate age-related cognitive function.

• Multi-Omics & Molecular Profiling:
  Design and execute multi-omic pipelines (including spatial transcriptomics and bulk RNA-seq) alongside targeted tissue validation assays (RNAscope, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry).
• In Vivo Rodent Studies:
  Lead rodent research utilizing stereotaxic viral deliveries, targeted manipulations, and behavioral phenotyping focused on cognitive assessment.
• In Vitro Target Validation:
  Contribute to the design of cell-based assays to functionally validate candidate molecular targets.
• Leadership & Mentorship:
  Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams, mentor junior laboratory members, and take a primary role in manuscript preparation, data presentation, and grant development.

• Education:
  
  Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline. 0-2 years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Required:
    
    Strong foundational expertise in molecular biology techniques.
  • Highly Preferred:
    Direct experience with rodent stereotaxic surgeries, and aging research.
  • Preferred:
    Experience with in situ tissue analysis (RNAscope/spatial assays) or multi-omic datasets.
• Track Record:
  First-author publication record in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating productivity, critical thinking, and rigorous scientific execution.
• Professional Attributes:
  Exceptional written and verbal communication, strong organizational capabilities, and a collaborative mindset tailored to an interdisciplinary research environment.

• Vibrant Environment:
  Direct integration into a dynamic, well-funded research system at BIDMC and Harvard Medical School. Affiliation with both BIDMC and Harvard Medical School.
• Cutting-Edge Resources:
  Access to state-of-the-art core facilities, human tissue resources, advanced spatial transcriptomics infrastructure and bioinformatics support.
• Career Development:
  Personalized mentorship dedicated to scientific independence, fellowship application preparation, and career trajectory planning.

Job Description:

• Abides by the institutional policies of BIDMC relating to health and safety, equality of opportunity and data storage and management. (essential)
• As a member of the research team, actively pursues research under the supervision of a principal investigator while developing skills for independent work. (essential)
• Receives training in and performs duties contributing to the investigational work of the team including formulation of research questions and design, conduct of experiments, and evaluation of results. (essential)
• Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under direction of PI. (essential)
• Develops expertise in desired lab skills/informatics/ physics/clinical research. Develops proficiency with research tools and equipment. Develops ability to work with more independence as the fellowship progresses (essential)
• Develops new ideas…