Research Specialist - Tavakoli Lab

Overview

Join to apply for the Research Specialist - Tavakoli Lab role at Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology’s deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work.

We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.

We are seeking a highly dedicated and skilled scientist with a PhD in Spatial Transcriptomics, Spatial Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or Bioengineering. This position will drive the development of cutting-edge hydrogel-based technologies to study brain function across scales (from genes to behaviors), including hands-on bench work and data analysis. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in spatial omics, method development and benchmarking, diverse light microscopy imaging methodologies (including confocal and light-sheet), hydrogel-tissue engineering, data analysis, and project management.

1–2 years of post-PhD experience is preferred but not required.

Scientific Background
:
We have recently developed the LICONN technology for “light microscopy-based connectomics” to conduct molecular connectomics studies of the mammalian brain at the synapse level. LICONN combines high-fidelity hydrogel-tissue engineering with click chemistry to label the cellular proteome for structural readout and uses a diffaction-limited spinning disc confocal microscope for imaging. A single-step, machine-learning-based approach is applied to automatically reconstruct the brain circuit.

We have demonstrated that LICONN enables rapid data acquisition, quantitative phenotyping, and cross-species genotype-phenotype correlation, facilitating high-throughput and comparative analysis in both healthy and disease-relevant neural contexts. Altogether, LICONN-based technologies provide a platform for high-resolution and molecular-level interrogation of neural circuitry.

About the Lab
:
The mission of the research group is to develop novel molecular tools and imaging approaches to understand brain function in health and disease across scales: from genes to circuits and behaviors.

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.

• Design, plan and perform method optimization experiments independently.
• Perform data analysis and interpretation, in particular image processing and analysis.
• Present research reports and scientific data internally and externally in a cross-discipline environment.
• Routinely review research activities against goals and adjust as needed.
• Maintain high level of professional expertise through familiarity with the relevant scientific literature.

• Ph.D. or equivalent combination of degree and experience in Spatial omics, (Bio)
  Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Biological sample preparation and light microscopy, Neuroscience, or Bioengineering. Experience in hydrogel-based tissue engineering is an asset.
• 1–2 years post-PhD experience preferred but not required.
• Collaborative mindset with a positive attitude, enthusiasm for working in a team-oriented environment, and a commitment to transparent and timely communication.
• Mindset for method-development and a can-do attitude.
• Proficient programming skills, particularly for image processing and analysis tasks.
• Ability to perform highly complex experiments with high levels of reliability and accuracy within time constraints.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to…