Research Scientist, Boyer Lab

MIT•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

The Research Scientist will lead research efforts across the Boyer, Boyden, and Ovchinnikov laboratories to design, characterize, and validate synthetic high-refractive-index proteins intended to improve transparency in living tissues. The role includes designing and optimizing cellular screening assays to evaluate protein expression, subcellular localization, phototoxicity, and refractive-index changes across cell types and culture conditions. The scientist will analyze screening results, integrate microscopy data with computational protein-design predictions, and guide iterative candidate selection and refinement. The scientist will establish and characterize three-dimensional tissue models—including organoids, engineered tissues, and ex vivo tissue explants—to validate protein performance in living systems. The work also involves developing genetic delivery strategies, conducting live-tissue imaging, quantifying improvements in transparency and imaging depth, and assessing tissue viability and safety. Additional responsibilities include developing quantitative image-analysis pipelines; integrating imaging and biophysical data; generating publication-quality figures, datasets, and technical reports; coordinating experimental priorities and resources across computational, experimental, and animal-testing teams; troubleshooting and optimizing laboratory protocols; and mentoring technical staff. The scientist will present findings at meetings and conferences, contribute to scientific manuscripts, and support open-science initiatives by sharing protocols, constructs, and analytical tools with the broader research community.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Biophysics, Optical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
At least four years of related experience in a research environment.
Advanced microscopy skills.
Quantitative image-analysis skills.
Mammalian cell-culture experience.
Genetic-delivery experience.
Experience with three-dimensional tissue systems.
Strong experimental-design, statistical-analysis, troubleshooting, scientific-writing, and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in live-cell or tissue imaging or protein characterization.
Experience in protein design, synthetic biology, or machine learning.
Interdisciplinary leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Lead research efforts across the Boyer, Boyden, and Ovchinnikov laboratories to design, characterize, and validate synthetic high-refractive-index proteins.
Design and optimize cellular screening assays to evaluate protein expression, subcellular localization, phototoxicity, and refractive-index changes across cell types and culture conditions.
Analyze screening results and integrate microscopy data with computational protein-design predictions to guide candidate selection and refinement.
Establish and characterize organoids, engineered tissues, and ex vivo tissue explants to validate protein performance in living systems.
Develop genetic delivery strategies and conduct live-tissue imaging.
Quantify improvements in tissue transparency and imaging depth, and assess tissue viability and safety.
Develop quantitative image-analysis pipelines and integrate imaging and biophysical data.
Generate publication-quality figures and datasets, and prepare technical reports.
Coordinate experimental priorities and resources across computational, experimental, and animal-testing teams.
Troubleshoot and optimize laboratory protocols.
Mentor technical staff.
Present research findings at meetings and conferences and contribute to scientific manuscripts.
Support open-science initiatives by sharing protocols, constructs, and analytical tools with the broader research community.