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The Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering (CPNE - https://www.collectiveneuro.com/) is seeking to hire a Research Scientist to work as a Senior Molecular Biologist in the Dzirasa Laboratory at Duke University. Our HHMI, NIH, and foundation-funded-lab brings together a collective of scientists with diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise, and life experiences to work jointly to solve problems. This collaborative approach produces outcomes greater than any one person could do alone, while providing an environment that enriches, nurtures, and trains each individual. This position will work under the leadership of Dr. Kafui Dzirasa to design and execute molecular biology and biochemistry studies. Specifically, you will focus on engineering novel connexin proteins for the ‘Long-term integration of Circuits using connexins’ (LinCx) project. Our goal is to drive context-precise circuit-editing with unprecedented spatiotemporal specificity. The candidate must be enthusiastic and willing to undertake multiple projects that will improve our understanding of protein engineering approaches to edit circuits with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapeutics that improve human mental health. Our ultra-collaborative approach internally and externally requires someone with immense emotional and intellectual intelligence to drive multifaceted projects that transcend any one field. We have dynamic collaborations with people from diverse expertise and backgrounds and our laboratory highly values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are looking for an inclusive leader with experience driving complex projects forward while also valuing the people they work with and displaying kindness in all they do.

Job Duties: Independently lead and execute complex scientific projects within the Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering laboratory at Duke University. FLOW Cytometry assays to quantify connexin docking to membranes of cells Analyze and interpret data; archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable, and understandable to others Accurately document research experiments in the Benchling lab notebook Coordinate all junior trainees in the lab to archive all protocols for the lab on Benchling to empower both internal and external collaborations Train and supervise technicians, undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs Review drafts, edit, and provide feedback on manuscripts, thesis documents, thesis research proposals, and fellowship applications ● Advise postdocs, students, and postbac research assistants on career choices and professional skills development ● Provide moral support to mentees as needed due to failed experiments, work-related stress, etc. ● Lead weekly Team Meetings to work on novel approaches for augmenting electrical connections between neurons ● Read scientific literature to increase scientific knowledge about current and future projects ● Attend international conferences to present on current work in the laboratory ● Develop and write manuscripts in top tier journals to publish findings ● Build a network and assisting to connect mentees to relevant researchers, lab alumni, and colleagues ● Contribute to grant writing for the NIH, NSF, and other foundations ● Coordinate lab inventory efforts and request lab reagents necessary for research through Quartzy ● Perform other related duties as necessary and requested.

Education, Skill, and Experience Requirements ● A Ph.D or equivalent doctorate in biological sciences with preferred background in biochemistry or molecular biology ● A minimum of 10 years of postdoctoral or related laboratory experience including basic molecular and cellular biology techniques such as: ○ Molecular cloning, ligation, and storage ○ DNA purification via mini, midi, and maxi preps ○ DNA mutagenesis ○ PCR and RT-qPCR ○ Western Blot and ELISA ○ Immunoprecipitation ○ Cell culture including transfections ○ FLOW Cytometry and Flowjo data analysis ○ Microscopy ○ Statistical analysis ● Strong track record of publishing in molecular biology and/or biochemistry ● Experience mentoring junior trainees ● High quality communication skills ● Inclusive leadership expertise ● Excellent oral and written communication skills ● Team oriented and able to work effectively in a collaborative work environment.

Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have the ability to learn and apply new skills and concepts Detail-oriented and exquisite organizational skills Experience with diverse groups Growth mindset Strong work ethic Passion for research that improves mental health Experience in neuroscience or computational biology a plus, but not required Interested applicants should submit CV, brief statement of research interests and names of references

Minimum Qualifications
Education

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Experience

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