Scientist, Viral Circuit Tracing

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 a creative and passionate scientist to develop next-generation viral circuit tracing technology. As a core member of the E11 team, you’ll develop innovative methods for uniquely labelling neurons at the scale of mammalian brains. Working closely with world experts in brain circuit ‘omics and data science, you’ll design experiments, collect data, and analyze, interpret, present and publish results to accelerate open and accessible neuroscience for public benefit.

Responsibilities

• Develop viral strategies and workflows (e.g., based on AAV) for scalably indexing single-cell identity and synaptic connectivity in mammalian brains.
• Design, assay and evaluate protein-based cellular barcode candidates in cultured cells and mouse models.
• Develop and optimize vectors and delivery methods to support tunable control of viral expression and labeling density in mouse brain tissue.
• Work closely with experimental and computational scientists to collaboratively design experiments, analyze experimental data, and interpret results.
• 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.

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.
• Extensive experience with molecular biology laboratory technique, e.g. cell and tissue culture, optical microscopy, molecular cloning, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, etc.
• Experience designing and managing in vivo studies in mouse models. Excellent communication skills, record keeping ability, and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience conducting CNS-directed AAV studies in mouse models.
• In-depth knowledge of AAV biology and workflows.
• 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 most talented and collaborative experts across scientific 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.