Join Us

We are always seeking motivated, creative, and driven scientists – technicians, graduate students, visiting students, clinical and postdoctoral fellows.
To inquire regarding positions in the laboratory, please send an email with a brief cover letter and CV to:

jwalker@helix.mgh.harvard.edu

Current Funded Positions Available:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – NF1 Gene Therapy

We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow candidates to join our enthusiastic diverse team to develop cutting-edge gene editing therapies for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

The new hire will be appointed as a Postdoctoral Fellow at MGH, with a joint appointment as a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and access to multiple educational and research resources. The Postdoctoral Fellow will play an integral role in projects to develop innovative gene editing strategies for NF1-associated tumors. The position will involve collaborations with other labs at MGH, Harvard Medical School, and other institutions.

Requirements:

  • The ideal candidate should have received (or expect to receive soon) a Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Neuroscience, Genomics, or other closely related fields
  • Strong proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture
  • Familiarity with next generation sequencing methods and data analysis
  • Experience with commonly used bioinformatics tools and databases, and other standard software
  • Experience mentoring and training others
  • Proven ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and supportive environment
  • Ability to adapt to shifting priorities in response to changing deadlines and the needs of the lab
  • First (or co-first) author of one or more peer-reviewed scientific publications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and time-management

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conducting routine molecular biology (PCR, recombinant DNA cloning, bacterial transformations, etc.), biochemical techniques, mammalian cell culture (including immortalized tumor cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)), the design, optimization and testing of genome editing technologies in mammalian cells, DNA sequencing methods (Sanger and Illumina next-generation sequencing)
  • Designing and executing experiments; analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing data
  • Creating and maintaining electronic lab records and inventories
  • Coordinating research activities with collaborators and forge new collaborations
  • Participating in lab meetings, journal clubs and attend seminars
  • Presenting research findings in scientific papers and at conferences

The position offers opportunities to co-mentor Research Technicians, graduate students, and student interns

This opening is an ideal opportunity for recent PhD or MD graduates interested in a career in biomedical research and/or medicine.

Position is available immediately. Interested applicants should contact Dr. James Walker (jwalker@helix.mgh.harvard.edu) directly with a cover letter, their CV and contact information for references.


Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Drosophila Geneticist/Neurobiologist

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent entry-level Post-Doctoral Research Fellow for using Drosophila as a model system to investigate neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) We are looking for a detail-oriented and self-motivated individual with a passion for molecular biology, genetics and behavioral neurobiology.

Candidate should be an innovative, data-driven, analytical thinker with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must be highly disciplined and organized, with first class record-keeping skills.

Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in genetics, neurobiology or a related field.
  • Working knowledge of cutting-edge genetics, behavioral neurobiology and molecular biology techniques
  • Experience in basic quantitative methods for analyzing biological data. Experience with coding and use of data-analysis software would be a plus but is not required.
  • Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Outstanding academic record of accomplishments.

Position is available immediately. Interested applicants should contact Dr. James Walker (jwalker@helix.mgh.harvard.edu) directly with a cover letter, their CV and contact information for references.


Research Technician

Position available for a highly motivated research technician to join our enthusiastic diverse team to develop cutting-edge therapies for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Person will assist in projects investigating disease mechanisms and discovery of therapeutic targets, as well as design and testing of potential novel treatments using a combination of approaches including human cell lines and the fruit fly Drosophila as model systems.

Responsibilities will include: 1) Molecular cloning to generate CRISPR gene editing and transgenic constructs (DNA/RNA isolation and analysis, PCR, plasmid cloning); 2) Maintenance of Drosophila stocks and genetic crosses, Drosophila behavioral assays; 3) Human cell culture and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing experiments.

Opportunities also include developing individual projects and contributing to high-profile publications as an author.

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field is required.  Research experience, either as a technician or undergraduate independent research project preferred, but not required. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently after training, with attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

 Research Technician I:

  • Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e., – pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.)
  • Maintains laboratory notebook
  • Understands and applies basic scientific techniques
  • Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results
  • Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed
  • Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment
  • May perform independent literature searches
  • Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation
  • Maintains and orders supplies

A Research Technician II performs the duties of a Research Technician I (above) and may also:

  • Execute protocols of non-routine experiments
  • Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology
  • Perform basic design and modification of protocols
  • Calculate, transcribe and analyze data
  • Prepare and present reports
  • Organize and summarize acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques.
  • Organize and/or draft material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or presentation.
  • Participate in the design of experiments or field work. 

Requirements:

  • Ability to work independently and as a team member
  • Good communication skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks independently

The Research Technician II should also possess:

  • Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
  • Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
  • Working knowledge of data management programs
  • Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies

If interested please send a cover letter and resume with contact details for references to Dr. Jim Walker (jwalker@helix.mgh.harvard.edu)

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