Senior Research Specialist - Vale Lab

Dr. Ronald Vale’s lab at the Whitehead Institute is seeking a Senior Research Specialist to support their advanced light microscopy . The Vale lab studies the molecular motor proteins kinesin and dynein, which power the movement of membranes and chromosomes along microtubules inside cells, and also plans to explore how these and other cellular molecular machines adapt to extreme temperature variations in this rapidly changing planet. More information can be found on the lab’s website: .

About the role:

Our lab is seeking an experienced Research Specialist to support Dr. Vale and his research staff. You will provide infrastructure support and training in advanced light microscopy, mentoring and experimental support for graduate and undergraduate students, developing new methods, and conducting independent research. This critical position in the lab requires high-level technical skills in microscopy and computational image analysis and experience in experimental biological research. Duties and tasks are complex in nature where considerable judgment, independent thinking and action and a high degree of initiative are required to advance research in the lab. Work will be coordinated in a close partnership with Dr. Vale and will be performed under minimal supervision.

* Start date is flexible.

Application Instructions
Please include the following items in one PDF as part of your application.

• A less than one-page cover letter that summarizes your relevant expertise, your career goals, and your fit/motivation for this position.

• Your curriculum vitae.

• Names and contact information for at least 3 references.

What we provide:

• Exposure to groundbreaking research and working with a collaborative, close-knit lab team.

• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits including an employee education assistance program.

• Successful projects in which the candidate participates will lead to authorship on scientific publications.

• Attending scientific conferences.

What you’ll do:

• Advance the microscopy-based research goals in the lab. This will include developing new microscopy and image analysis methods and maintaining lattice light sheet, TIRF, and confocal microscopes and adapting them for specific experimental tasks as needed.

• Train lab members, or others, on how to use microscopes and perform image analysis.

• As a senior research scientist, help the PI in the mentoring of graduate students and undergraduates on their research projects.

• Actively pursue a research question in the lab, either independently or collaboratively with others in the lab.

• Assist/advise in research collaborations with other laboratories.

• Present work at scientific meeting.

• Influence short, as well as long-range, objectives of the lab. Contribute to and share in the results of the lab. Perform work with independence but under general supervision.

• Establish goals and schedule work to meet those goals.

• Actively contributes to the intellectual environment of the lab.

• Modify or arrange repairs on equipment as needed.

What you bring:

• A Ph.D. and postdoctoral training.

• Experience in various types of light microscopy and advanced image analysis as well as in leading a research project, as demonstrated through publication.

• Experience in mentoring trainees. Knowledge of microscope optics, robotics and computational analysis.

• Familiarity with image analysis methods; ability to write code to perform custom image analysis methods and pipelines is preferred.

• Ability to perform independent research and to apply experience to develop new methodologies.

• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise. Remains technically competent at the leading edge of research.

• A willingness and patience to aid early career researchers.

• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with diverse personalities.

• Generally experienced in job duties and in the principles and practices associated with those duties.

• Fully understands their role in the laboratory and in related units as well as understanding how the job relates to the organization.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Compensation Range:

Research Specialist II - $81,950(min) - $102,500(mid) - $133,210(max)

Research Specialist III- $93,830(min) - $117,300(mid) - $152,460(max)

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.