Postdoctoral Associate - Cardiovascular Disease Initiative; CVDI

Postdoctoral Associate – Cardiovascular Disease Initiative (CDI)

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Location:

Cambridge, MA – Salary: $70,000.00–$90,000.00

The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, a world leader in genetic research, is looking for an exceptional postdoctoral candidate to join the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative (CDV) led by Dr. Patrick Ellinor. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of computational biologists, laboratory scientists, clinicians, and faculty members. We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of genetic cardiovascular diseases and apply cutting‑edge technologies in functional genomics to study genes associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The team works together to identify and validate new genes associated with cardiovascular disease—including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and coronary artery disease—and to launch new therapeutic drug discovery programs based on these human genetic insights. The candidate will work on NIH funded as well as exploratory academic projects, conduct experimental research studies at the bench, supervise a research associate, and contribute to therapeutics projects targeting cardiovascular disease.

Example work streams include: designing high‑throughput CRISPR‑based screens in hPSC‑derived cells; characterizing gene functions in hPSC‑derived cells; and validating potential drug targets. Other tasks include developing assays for small‑molecule drug discovery, generating datasets using single‑cell RNA sequencing, and validating gene and protein expression with immunofluorescent techniques and in situs h hybridization. Additionally, work may involve creating and validating in vitro and in vivo disease models and conducting experiments to understand target gene functions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated candidate interested in exploring the early stages of drug development in a vibrant atmosphere.

• Ph.D. in Biology (Developmental, Molecular, Cellular Biology), Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related life science field with 0‑2 years of experience in an academic setting
• At least one first‑author publication in a basic/mechanistic area of biology
• Experience in working with pluripotent stem cells, CRISPR genome editing, single‑cell RNA sequencing, and cell‑based imaging techniques
• Hands‑on experience in cellular assay development and proficiency with standard assay formats (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging, luminescence‑/fluorescence‑based cellular readouts, immunohistochemistry) in primary and cultured cells
• Experience with cardiac electrophysiology is preferred
• Experience with mouse models, especially in the cardiovascular field, is a plus
• Experience with computational skills is a plus
• 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
• 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.