Research Scientist II - Cardiovascular Disease Initiative

The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, a world leader in genetic research, is looking for an exceptional candidate to join the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative (CVDi) led by Dr. Patrick Ellinor. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of computational biologists, laboratory scientists, and clinicians. The team works together to identify new genes associated with cardiovascular diseases including atrial fibrillation and heart failure and to then launch new therapeutic drug discovery programs based on these human genetic insights. CVDi project teams work closely with Center for the Development of Therapeutics (CDoT) to advance challenging projects using cutting-edge technologies. The candidate will work as a member of the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative to advance translational research projects. Specifically, the candidate will conduct experimental research studies at the bench, supervise a research associate, and lead therapeutics project(s) targeting cardiovascular disease. Example workstreams for projects include: determining the cellular localization of a candidate gene by immunohistochemistry, identifying interacting partners with the target protein, assessing the suitability of the gene for assay development, developing assays for small molecule hit identification, validation and mechanistic characterization. The candidate will be responsible for developing, characterizing and using in vivo models for target validation. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated candidate interested in exploring the early stages of drug development in a vibrant atmosphere.

Key responsibilities

Design and execute research plans to ensure that critical project requirements, timelines and deliverables are met.

Develop and execute cell-based assays to support target validation and hit identification & optimization

Develop and execute in vivo mouse models and experiments to support target validation

Contribute to target validation using genomic perturbation techniques such as CRISPR, siRNA, etc.

Support drug programs during the pre-clinical development stage

Troubleshoot scientific problems with minimal guidance

Analyze experimental data and communicate scientific results to team members and leadership

Supervise and mentor Research Associate(s) and junior team members

Contribute to various research projects in a collaborative manner

REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D. in Biology (Developmental, Molecular, Cellular Biology), Biochemistry, or related life science field with 2-5 years experience in an industrial or academic setting with a proven record of successful interaction with external collaborators and team members

Hands-on experience in cellular assay development and proficiency with standard assay formats (e.g. imaging, luminescence-/fluorescence-based cellular readouts, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting) in primary and cultured cells

Experience with mouse handling, colony management, and drug administration/dosing (IP, IV, SC, RO, gavage, and blood collection)

Experience with various cardiac mouse models and their characterization is preferred.

Proficiency with echocardiography, hemodynamics, and surgery in rodents is a plus

Proficiency with tissue and cell based imaging techniques, e.g. tissue sectioning, staining, histology, confocal microscopy, in situ hybridization is a plus

Experience with cardiomyocyte-based assays such as calcium imaging, contractility and in vitro modeling of cardiac disease is preferred

Experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and cardiomyocyte differentiation is a plus

Proficient with standard cellular and molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, western blot, siRNA transfection, viral transduction, etc.

Experience with CRISPR targeting technologies in primary cells

Strong understanding of cardiac biology and disease

Ability to develop research plans for executing strategy, operate and maintain equipment, and perform laboratory work, with complete independence

Track record of working on complex problems, and ability to integrate data from multiple disciplines

Supervising skills are a plus

Strong interpersonal, influencing, and collaboration skills to work in a team-oriented, matrix environment, and the ability to work through conflicts

Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities

Ability to adapt to and effectively manage changes in a fast paced and dynamic environment

A passion and curiosity for science and sense of urgency to find new medicines to benefit patients

The successful candidate will be a results-focused, team-oriented, creative, bench scientist, able to excel in a fast-track environment. The candidate must be self-motivated, detail-oriented and exhibit strong problem solving skills. In addition, the successful candidate should be a clear and effective communicator, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills to enable collaboration with project teams, peers, and management, for identifying and achieving research goals.

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact for assistance.