New England HERC

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, Biology - The Weissbourd lab, to join the lab studying the neurobiology and behavior of a jellyfish, Clytia hemisphaerica, with the goal of finding principles of neural development and function in an outgroup to bilaterian animals; and lead and contribute to a range of advanced projects that include molecular and cell biology, computational biology, and behavioral studies. The lab aims to establish Clytia as a powerful model organism for neurobiology, which will require application of cutting-edge techniques and the development of novel research strategies in this species. This position includes the opportunity to apply for grants and will work independently to troubleshoot, evaluate, optimize, and document rigorous experiments; design and build transgene constructs, create and maintain transgenic jellyfish lines, and use them to generate large data sets and efficiently test key hypotheses; collaborate and interface within the lab and with other laboratories or core facilities; effectively communicate and present project plans, results, and conclusions within the lab as well as to the institution and broader scientific community; train and mentor students and staff in scientific methods and practices; and write grant applications in collaboration with the PI.

A full job description is available here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:841e7368-37fc-4525-8992-f498bbb6fca6.

REQUIRED: PhD and postdoctoral training in a relevant scientific discipline, for example, neuroscience, or genetics; practical knowledge of the key concepts in molecular and cellular biology; wet-lab skills including molecular cloning, PCR, generating transgenic and mutant lines in model organisms using CRISPR, Tol2, etc; effective analytical and problem-solving skills and the willingness to learn new fields and techniques; collaborative personality with good interpersonal skills; and strong scientific writing skills, including manuscript and grant writing.

5/4/2026