Research Associate, Neuroscience Team

The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI)is a nonprofit research organization advancing protein science to accelerate research and improve human health.  Founded in 2017 and located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, the Institute’s three-pronged strategy is to build protein tools, conduct related internal research and develop educational programs for the protein science and biological research communities.

With a significant endowment, IPI uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high throughput and scale of industry to take on transformative projects. IPI has built a robust platform for discovering, developing, and distributing synthetic antibodies and other protein tools to share with the biomedical community. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of researchers at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and other institutions across Greater Boston and beyond.  

Purpose

The Research Associate on the Neuroscience team will play an essential role in the characterization of IPI’s antibodies for neuroscience applications using biophysical, biochemical and cell biology techniques for a wide range of cell surface receptors and ligands.

Primary Responsibilities

The Neuroscience team's primary focus is to establish cellular and biophysical assays that assess whether antibodies disrupt or enhance neuronal migration and synapse formation. Daily tasks include producing neuronal glycoproteins, setting up cellular assays, and using light microscopy to study neuronal cultures. Meticulous data entry in electronic notebooks, uploading results to the LIMS, and organizing, reporting, and presenting findings are essential duties.

Key responsibilities:

·       Perform tissue culture to maintain cell lines, including neuronal cultures.

·       Prepare DNA, buffers and cell-culture reagents.

·       Express and purify neuronal antigens and antibodies.

·       Assist in developing neuronal iPSC cultures and brain organoids.

·       Organize and maintain laboratory reagents and supplies for molecular and cellular biology experiments.

·       Keep detailed records of all experiments, data collected, analyses performed, and biophysical results compiled.

·       Prepare-or assist in preparing-internal reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed scientific publications.

·       Attend regular group meetings to update team members on ongoing experiments.

·       Troubleshoot routine technical problems.

Qualifications

* B.S. or M.S. in cell biology, molecular biology or biochemistry.

* Experience with cell culture maintenance is preferred.

* Experience in the production of glycoproteins from mammalian cells is preferred.

* Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

* Enthusiasm with a strong commitment to IPI’s mission and a desire to conduct impactful science.

* High attention to details.

* Strong verbal and written communications skills.

* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate within a team-based environment.

IPI provides competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package to support physical, mental and financial health. Highlights of benefits include:

·        100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans

·        Flexible spending accounts and a healthcare reimbursement account

·        401(k) plan with generous 6% employer match – immediately 100% vested

·        Generous PTO package

·        Commuter and parking reimbursement

·        Career development opportunities

For more information, visit proteininnovation.org or follow us on social media, @ipiproteins. IPI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization and an equal-opportunity employer. The Institute celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please be advised that you will be required to provide evidence of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States. IPI will not guarantee sponsorship of foreign nationals and retains complete discretion regarding providing sponsorship to any prospective or existing employee at time of hire or at any time in the future.