Senior Scientist - Genetics

Scheduled Hours

40

The Senior Scientist in the Cremins Lab will work with a dynamic team to conduct research in the generation and analysis of new multimodal imaging data for mapping the neural connectome at synapse resolution using RNA barcodes. The candidate will work as a sub team leader over connectome projects and be responsible for maintaining and organizing lab records, training junior scientists on technical assays, assisting the PI with manuscript preparation and review, and helping with grant content.

The role includes designing, optimizing, and standardizing experimental and analysis pipelines to accelerate high-quality publications, conducting in situ sequencing experiments with custom microscopy equipment to image RNA barcodes, standardizing imaging pipelines, collecting data, and mentoring trainees on the microscopes. The candidate will participate in protein and barcode design teams to adjust constructs; ensure imaging infrastructure supports trainees; oversee image acquisition and develop pipelines for image analysis;

lead data analysis once acquired to ensure high-quality data; participate in developing new code and statistical methods for in situ sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the neural connectome; and integrate data to assess synapse connections and RNA distribution within neurons.

• Collaborates on designing, conducting and reporting research projects and assists with grant preparation.
• Supervises and conducts Illumina library preparation for genomics experiments, quantification, library pooling, and sequencing runs for the lab.
• Generates novel in situ sequencing imaging datasets to understand structure-function relationships of neuronal connectomes using confocal microscopy and microfluidics.
• Processes and analyzes imaging and sequencing data (image registration, segmentation, feature detection, clustering, anchoring to single cell datasets).
• Oversees and writes established SOPs for molecular sequencing technologies and computational algorithms.
• Prepares and reviews papers on research.
• Develops new algorithms for analysis of RNA FISH, DNA FISH, and neural connectome in situ sequencing technologies.
• Collaborates with computational experts to conduct efficient analyses leading to discoveries in mammalian neuron genome structure-function data.
• Maintains safety procedures and required lab documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological, chemical and radioactive hazards.
• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work and are not exhaustive. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Education: PhD or terminal degree; combination of education and experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications: No specific certification required.

Work Experience: Postdoctoral (3 years)

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver’s license is not required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in cell biology, imaging, computational biology or neuroscience.
• 3+ years of postdoctoral experience is highly preferred.
• Experience in imaging and technology development is highly preferred.
• Experience in multi-modal genomics, spatial transcriptomics, computational biology, in vivo AAV or lentivirus injections, behavioral neuroscience, or electrophysiology is a plus.
• Experience with Illumina library preparation and handling Next Seq/Nova Seq instruments is a plus for mentoring genomics sequencing.
• Experience in Python/R, Linux, and cluster computing is strongly preferred.
• Experience in statistical analysis of imaging data is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently with critical thinking and sound judgment.

No additional education, certifications, or work experience beyond what is stated elsewhere in the posting.

Skills: Analytical Problem Solving, Cell Cultures, Cluster Computing, Computational Biology, Fluorescence Microscopy, Genomics,…