Principal Scientist / Neuroscience Group

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.  

Principal Scientist, Neuroscience Group

Reports to: Dr. Rob Meijers, PhD (Head of Neuroscience)

Overview

The Neuroscience group at IPI leverages antibody panels from the Antibody platform for specialized neuroscience applications, serving as a bridge to the neuroscience research community. The group investigates the applicability of antibodies in functional assays, and develops novel assays to test antibodies for fluorescent imaging, immunohistochemistry and electron tomography to study neuronal cell migration and synapse formation. The group will actively pursue external funding to support the development of antibody panels and applications. The group collaborates with leaders in the neuroscience community to acquire imaging technology and expertise, and work with the Antibody Characterization and Validation team at IPI to standardize protocols for eventual high-throughput implementation for antibody validation on the Platform.

Purpose

The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI) is seeking a Principal Scientist to drive research at the intersection of molecular neuroscience and protein science, working alongside our Head of Neuroscience. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop innovative protein tools for the neuroscience community while shaping research directions in neuronal migration and synapse formation and expanding our cell biology activities at IPI.

The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in light microscopy imaging of neuronal cells and tissues, supported by a strong scientific track record of presentations, publications, and successful grant acquisition. This position requires exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

The Principal Scientist will actively engage with the molecular neuroscience community by organizing workshops, attending international conferences, and managing collaborative projects. We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record in developing research programs that leverage technical innovation in protein science to investigate fundamental mechanistic questions in molecular neuroscience.

The successful candidate will bring the following experience and skills to IPI's Neuroscience Group:  

- Experience in imaging of neuronal tissues and cell cultures.

- Exceptionally strong writing skills, evidenced by a track record of publications and successful grant applications.

- Demonstrated ability to independently manage cell culture facilities and experiments.

- Proficiency in quality control and process management, ensuring meticulous electronic documentation of experiments and collaboration protocols.

- Commitment to effective collaboration within cross-functional teams.

- An effective communicator capable of leading collaborations with external partners.

This position is highly collaborative and strong communication and leadership skills are required. The Principal Scientist will engage with outside collaborators to learn about cutting edge imaging and cell biology techniques that need to be implemented at IPI and perform or supervise efficient pilot experiments so that the value of these new applications can be evaluated. The Principal Scientist will supervise postdocs and technical personnel, plan experiments independently and report scientific results efficiently.  The Principal Scientist is also expected to represent IPI at external meetings and conferences.

Responsibilities and Duties

- Design and oversee cell biology assays using large antibody panels.

- Plan and execute imaging experiments to demonstrate the applicability of IPI’s antibodies in processes involving neuronal migration and synapse formation.

- Develop and refine protocols to standardize assays for seamless implementation on the Platform.

 Actively contribute to the solicitation and writing of grant applications.

- Represent IPI independently at scientific meetings and conferences.

- Recruit, train, and manage junior staff and postdoctoral researchers.

Qualifications

- A PhD degree in cell biology or biophysics.

- A strong publication record in the field of cellular neurobiology.

- Well acquainted with light microscopy techniques and neuronal cell culture practices.

- Demonstrated ability to obtain research funding.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment.

- Enthusiastic team member with a strong commitment to mission and a desire to conduct impactful science.

- Excellent organizational, communication and documentation skills.

IPI is an independent 501(3)(c) nonprofit research organization and an equal opportunity employer. The Institute celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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.