Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Mass General Physicians Organization(MGPO)

GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW

The Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow that will combine pharmacology, neurophysiology, and bioengineering, with experiments in hibernating and non-hibernating rodents, to create artificial hibernation and devise new therapies for surgery and critical care. The Research Fellow must be able to work both independently and with a team. We value creativity, enthusiasm, and perseverance, especially as we venture into new research territories. The Research Fellow will have an appointment at Mass General Hospital, with a secondary appointment at Harvard Medical School.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

With supervision and guidance, responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will include:

• Spearheading research with significant scientific, engineering and clinical impact.
• Developing techniques and performing highly specialized neuroscience experiments. These include but are not limited to: electrophysiology experiments, imaging experiments, and closed-loop control of physiological states in rodents.
• Developing experimental hardware/software systems needed to succeed, and troubleshooting them.
• Handling, managing, and caring for rodents as needed for the research.
• Contributing to experimental and animal protocols.
• Acquiring, analyzing, explaining, and interpreting data.
• Assisting other laboratory members.
• Contributing to the positive culture in the laboratory.
• Growing as a researcher towards independence.
• Maintaining organized and detailed records of laboratory experiments.
• Presenting results at lab meetings and national/international conferences.
• Preparing and submitting research manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.
• Assisting with preparing grant applications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

A successful candidate will:

• The successful candidate will have a strong interest in mechanisms of anesthesia and animal hibernation with diverse experimental and computational skills.
• Have experience with in-vivo experiments in animal models, preferably rodents.
• Have proficiency with in-vivo electrophysiology, in-vivo microscopy imaging, and/or related techniques.
• Have facility with developing and implementing experimental hardware/software systems, particularly acquisition systems for electrophysiology and imaging.
• Have a systems thinking to explain brain mechanisms underlying data.
• Have insight into neural dynamics, and/or neuronal metabolism.
• Be creative, enthusiastic, and persistent. These will be essential as we venture into new domains.

Note: Creativity, enthusiasm, and persistence goes a long way. We welcome applicants who lack the necessary skills at the time of application, but who can demonstrate their commitment and potential for success.

• Work independently under general direction of the Principal Investigator
• Be motivated, meticulous, organized, and detail-oriented
• Demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm for learning new techniques
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Possess strong technical abilities and computer science skills
• Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by publications and presentation
• Possess the ability to make independent and effective decisions in a timely fashion
• Possess competence in research techniques and methodologies
• Have excellent interpersonal skills
• Be a team player who works well with other lab members

EDUCATION

PhD or MD required in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

The applicant must have evidence of strong scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications. Prior wet-lab experience is required. But, we will welcome applications from exceptional candidates with strong quantitative and/or engineering backgrounds but limited experimental background, who are eager and committed to learn quickly and conduct experiments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Assistance guiding research technicians and trainees in the lab is expected.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work will be performed in a fast-paced research laboratory environment, requiring teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility. Must be able to work both, independently and with a team.

EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

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