Postdoctoral Research Fellow Venkatesh Lab

Mass General Brigham • Boston, MA

5d • $73,544 - $81,199 • Onsite

About The Position

The Venkatesh Lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Harvard Medical School is a pioneering research group at the forefront of cancer neuroscience, exploring the intersection of cancer biology and neuroscience. Our work focuses on uncovering the electrical and molecular mechanisms driving neuron-cancer communication. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to map neural circuitry and modulate neural activity, we aim to bridge the gap between cancer biology and systems neuroscience, offering new therapeutic possibilities. Our research characterizes and therapeutically targets neural pathways in both the PNS and CNS, with the goal of developing innovative treatments by exploiting tumor microenvironment dependencies at the neuron-tumor interface. This interdisciplinary approach combines cutting-edge neuroscience techniques with cancer biology to redefine our understanding of malignancy and its systemic connectivity with the brain and body. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in neuroscience techniques and a passion for exploring the electrical underpinnings of cancer progression. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of two constantly evolving fields, with direct implications for the development of novel cancer therapies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong publication record demonstrating expertise in neuroscience techniques and/or cancer biology.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, fast-paced research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience with rodent models (e.g., mouse handling, surgical procedures, stereotaxic injections) is required.
• Experience with neural modulation techniques such as Optogenetics, chemogenetics (DREADDs), or pharmacological manipulation of neural circuits.
• Skilled in advanced imaging including Confocal microscopy, two-photon imaging, light-sheet microscopy, or super-resolution imaging.
• PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, FACS, CRISPR-Cas9, viral vector design, and in vitro cell culture (primary neurons, iPSCs, or cancer cell lines).
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using tools such as MATLAB, Python, R, or FIJI/ImageJ.
• Hands-on experience with at least 3 of the following techniques: Electrophysiology (patch-clamp, in vivo recordings), Optogenetics/chemogenetics, Advanced microscopy (two-photon, confocal, light-sheet), In vivo murine models (rodent survival surgery).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in cancer neuroscience, neuro-oncology, or tumor microenvironment research.
• Familiarity with single-cell omics (scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics) or bioinformatics analysis.
• Experience with in vivo imaging of neural activity (e.g., GCaMP, voltage indicators).
• Knowledge of neuroimmunology, neuroinflammation, or glia-neuron interactions in the context of disease.
• Prior work with patient-derived samples or co-culture systems.
• Experience with neural data analysis (e.g., Spike2, NeuroExplorer, or custom scripts) is a plus.
• Familiarity with electrophysiology, ideally Patch-clamp recording is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute independent and collaborative research projects focused on neuron-cancer interactions, particularly within the PNS-tumor interface.
• Design and perform experiments to investigate the electrical components of cancer pathophysiology, including neural modulation of tumor growth and malignant transformation.
• Utilize state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques (e.g., electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, calcium imaging, in vivo neural recordings, and behavioral assays) to dissect neural circuitry involved in cancer progression.
• Develop and apply molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., CRISPR, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and immunofluorescence) to characterize neural and tumor cell interactions.
• Map systemic brain-body connectivity and its role in cancer biology using advanced imaging (e.g., two-photon microscopy, light-sheet microscopy) and tracing methods.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists and cancer biologists at all stages of training.
• Present research findings at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and national/international conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals and contribute to grant proposals.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and technical staff as needed.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional, ethical, and regulatory standards (e.g., IACUC, biosafety).

Benefits

• Support patient care, research, teaching, and community service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree