Research Associate - Circuit Model Systems of Anhedonia; CMA)

Research Associate - Circuit Based Model Systems of Anhedonia (CMA)

34 days left to apply!

Bio Med X is a leading innovation hub for pharma. With our global network of research institutes at top universities and incubators within pharmaceutical companies, we bridge the gap between academia and industry.

We are pioneers in applying the principles of design thinking and crowd sourcing to drug discovery and development. With our unique model, we identify key challenges across all therapeutic areas, recruit top academic talent, and co-create tailored solutions with our pharma partners.

In our stimulating ecosystem, early-career researchers grow into future scientific leaders. They perform exploratory research, deliver industry-grade results, and pave the way to next-generation therapies. At Bio Med X, we value curiosity, diversity, and purpose. Our goal is to serve as a vital catalyst for innovation in global health for the benefit of all patients.

Bio Med X is searching for two research associates to join a team of one group leader, Dr. Kevin Keary, and two post-docs to investigate the mechanisms and circuitry underlying anhedonia.

The focus of team CMA is anhedonia, the diminished ability to experience pleasure. It is a debilitating symptom in depression and core negative symptom in schizophrenia. The neurobiological underpinnings remain poorly understood despite this clear clinical need. While reduced dopamine activity in the ventral striatum has long been implicated, wider reward circuitry involving the prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, ventral tegmental area, and amygdala points to a broader network dysfunction.

Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that neurotransmitter systems beyond dopamine – including opioids, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate – modulate the reward system in ways not yet fully mapped. The field lacks a clear mechanistic understanding of which neuronal subtypes across which brain regions are critical to manifesting anhedonia.

The aim of this project is to examine cell and brain region specific alterations in rodent and in vitro models of anhedonia to identify biomarkers and potential future therapeutic targets for anhedonia patients.

We are seeking two highly motivated research associates with a strong background in neuroscience research to join team CMA located in New Haven, Connecticut. The research associate will contribute to the generation of data and the overall design of the project. The research associate will receive direct mentorship from the group leader and postdocs to refine their technical proficiency, scientific thinking, and ability to present their research.

This is a valuable opportunity to both break into industry science and gain more research experience before pursuing PhD programs.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelors or Masters in Neuroscience/Psychology.
• 1-2 years of Wetlab/computational neuroscience lab experience.
• Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
• References from research mentors speaking to their competency as a scientific researcher.

• Mammalian Cell Culture (Including but not limited to sterile technique for neuronal culture and cellular differentiation).
• Cell and Molecular Experimental Skills (In-situ hybridization, western blotting, immunohistochemistry).
• Experience working in a research team and ability to meet deadlines set forth by the group leader.
• Coursework in neuroscience and knowledge of neuropsychiatric illness.

• Human neuroimaging analysis (fMRI, PET, MR Spectroscopy).

• The position is fully funded by Abb Vie and is immediately available.
• International, diverse, and positive work atmosphere with a flexible working environment.
• NIH-Aligned salary with employee benefits plan following the Post-Baccalaureate IRTA stipend table.
• Access to a vast scientific network.

At Bio Med X we embrace diversity as we consider it the source of innovation. We are committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ideology, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, or disability.

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