Research Specialist RESEARCH NEUROLOGY FQ

Brigham and Women's Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
60 Fenwood Road (Show on map)
May 22, 2025
Summary: Performs a variety of administrative and scientific activities necessary to support the research and academic responsibilities of the Research Laboratory. In addition to the routine administrative support duties, this includes independently drafting and submitting drug material transfer agreements and daily interactions with external industry representatives (scientific and legal) to facilitate the progress of material transfer agreements. Does this position require Patient Care? No Essential Functions: - Works with laboratory staff and academic collaborators to draft and submit material transfer agreements for novel targeted therapies (obtained from Pharma or Biotech) that will be tested for antineoplastic and biological activities in the department. - Develops proposals and study plans and coordinates the institutional and external reviews of these proposals. - Responsible for supervising and performing drug sensitivity assays in various human cancer cell lines. - These assays require substantial attention to detail and consistent methods and include evaluation of cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell-cycle perturbations by flow cytometry, and cell signaling perturbations by immunoblotting. - Responsible for supervising routine reports of laboratory studies, particularly as stipulated in material transfer agreements or corporate-sponsored research agreements, to be distributed to industry scientific counterparts and to academic collaborators. - Responsible for preparing summaries of laboratory studies for meeting presentations and for publications. - Calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data using advanced statistical techniques. - Reports on the progress of work at weekly laboratory seminars. - Also, semi-autonomously write-up experimental work for grant applications, book chapters, and journal publications. Key Responsibilities: - Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments to evaluate therapeutic candidates targeting autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. - Lead the development, optimization, and implementation of molecular biology workflows, including cloning strategies, codon optimization, mutagenesis, and gene and protein expression analysis via qPCR, western blot and flow cytometry. - Design and validate immunoassays (e.g., high-throughput ELISAs) to characterize antibody binding, species cross-reactivity, and receptor-ligand interactions. - Participate in the formulation, QC, and preclinical testing of mRNA-based and non-viral delivery platforms, including lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems. - Oversee rodent model experiments, including dosing (IV, IP, SC, PO), disease scoring, and multi-tissue harvests for transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. - Interface cross-functionally to lead project initiatives, communicate experimental progress, and influence research direction based on data-driven insights. - Serve as a mentor to junior scientists; provide guidance on experimental design, assay development, and scientific documentation. - Prepare high-quality reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and external collaborators; contribute to regulatory documentation and intellectual property strategy. Education: Master's Degree Related Field of Study required, preferably Molecular Biology or Biomedical Sciences PhD preferred Experience: Experience in an academic or laboratory research setting 3-5 years required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must be a problem solver willing to take the initiative and prioritize tasks, thereby ensuring the smooth and efficient conduct of several projects simultaneously. Ability to perform a variety of highly specialized cell culture and molecular biology procedures. A high degree of computer literacy in order to use various spreadsheet, database, accounting and word processing programs to assist in administrative, grant proposal preparation, and research reporting activities. Excellent organizational skills in order to formulate, implement, and monitor a number of interrelated tasks. Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment in handling of sensitive and confidential information. Ability to work under deadline pressure and prioritize work from several sources. Excellent interpersonal skills for internal and external communications. The Quintana laboratory is seeking a highly accomplished Research Scientist to drive innovative research programs focused on immune modulation and therapeutic development. This is a unique opportunity to join a collaborative, high-performing team that bridges academic discovery and translational science, grounded in the pioneering work of Professor Francisco Quintana at Brigham and Women's Hospital. We are looking for a molecular biologist and gene therapy expert with deep experience in assay development, immune characterization, and vector engineering. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in AAV biology, non-viral delivery systems, and advanced in vitro/in vivo methodologies, and will play a leadership role in shaping experimental strategy and mentoring junior staff. Preferred Qualifications: Proven expertise in molecular cloning, mutagenesis, and antibody assay development. Hands-on experience in AAV biology, gene therapy vector design, CpG modification, and siRNA/miRNA evasion strategies. Proficient in a range of analytic techniques including ELISA, qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Experience with in vivo pharmacology, rodent models of disease, and immunological profiling. Passionate about translational science, collaborative team science, and contributing meaningfully to therapeutic innovation. The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.