Lead Scientist, Viral Barcoding

Alameda, CA       ·       Full time

E11 Bio is on a mission to make single-cell brain circuit mapping a routine part of every neuroscientist’s toolbox. We are a collaborative and interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers engaged in a neuroscience moonshot project to develop a radical technology platform for scalable mammalian brain mapping. E11 Bio is a non-profit Convergent Research focused research organization located in Alameda, California, pursuing blue-skies neuroscience research yet operating like a nimble, tight-knit start-up. Read our whitepaper and learn more.

E11 Bio is seeking an experienced and motivated scientist to take a lead role developing the next generation of brain mapping technology. As an early team member at E11, you will have a opportunity to establish and lead the E11 Cellular Barcoding team, where you’ll develop innovative methods for viral tracing of neurons at the scale of mammalian brains. Working closely with the molecular connectomics and data science teams, you’ll design experiments, collect data, and analyze, interpret and present next-generation brain circuit mapping results consistent with our commitment to high impact and open science.

Responsibilities

• Lead E11’s Cellular Barcoding effort, developing a viral (e.g. AAV) strategy for scalably indexing cellular identity and synaptic connectivity in mammalian brains.  
• Create and utilize a design-build-test pipeline to design, evaluate and validate protein-based cell barcodes and AAV-based protein barcode expression vectors.
• Design and execute manual and high-throughput cell-based and in vivo screens to evaluate and optimize expression patterns of candidate protein barcodes in mouse CNS subcellular compartments (e.g. synapses).
• Develop and optimize vectors and delivery methods to support tunable control of AAV labeling density in brain tissue.
• Work closely with experimental and computational scientists to collaboratively design experiments, analyze experimental data, and interpret results.
• Implement, maintain, and extend new and/or existing cellular barcoding solutions, working and coordinating with external partners where appropriate.
• Perform experiments with exceptional levels of competence, reproducibility and documentation following appropriate research practices, including excellent laboratory notebook practices.
• Prepare internal reports and manuscripts, and present results at internal or external scientific meetings as appropriate.
• Provide high quality and professional supervision, management, and mentorship for junior team members.

Required qualifications

• PhD in biology (e.g. Virology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Neurobiology) or a related field in science and/or engineering, or equivalent working experience and track record.
• In-depth knowledge of AAV biology and extensive experience with AAV vector design and CNS-directed AAV studies in mouse models.
• Experience with design, execution, and data analysis of high-throughput experiments in cell-based and in vivo contexts.
• Demonstrated proficiency and competency working with diverse laboratory techniques, including fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry, molecular biology workflows, (e.g. cloning, PCR, immunolabeling, western blot, flow cytometry), and tissue culture.
• Excellent communication skills, record keeping ability, and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in the design and application of diverse AAV systems, including two-component AAV systems for inducible expression and methods for transgene expression amplification in neurons, blood-brain barrier crossing vectors.
• Experience with AAV production and validation, including methods to QC viral particles.
• Experience working directly with computational scientists; computational analysis experience a plus.
• Strong record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Who will love this job

• You are passionate about moonshot neuroscience, and want to broadly accelerate science through long-term commitment to a high-impact project with a tight-knit team. 
• You have a strong desire and intrinsic motivation to work collaboratively and inclusively as part of an interdisciplinary team science effort.
• You are committed to the ethos of open science, and want to see your work transparently disseminated.
• You’re mission-driven, and are seeking an environment where you can take long-term risks on moonshot science, shielded from academic or for-profit incentives.
• You’re seeking a high-leverage, non-traditional opportunity to maximize the impact of your science, establishing relationships with key stakeholders in the neuroscience community.
• You understand, appreciate and are ready to tackle the significant experimental challenges related to scalable cellular barcoding of mammalian brains

We offer

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan; parental leave.
• Generous time off + paid holidays.
• Wellness allowance for fitness and wellness activities.

Convergent Research aims to help fill a structural gap in today’s R&D system. We enable fundamental research that requires unusual levels of scale and coordination yet is not rapidly monetizable by industry. We’re bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. As an incubator within the Schmidt Futures Network, we identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.

Convergent Research, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.