Postdoc - Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Using human iPSC-based cellular models to evaluate selective vulnerability to tau pathology in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease

Job Description

• AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company with a mission to use the expertise of dedicated people and a unique approach to innovation to develop advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases. The Postdoctoral Program is designed for true investigational and experimental research. Participants will be mentored by renowned industry scientists and collaborators at AbbVie and will be focused on delivering cutting-edge advancements in discovery. The enriching training program offers a balance of structured learning and work experience which fosters a learning environment to advance individual development with accessibility to high-level knowledge building across the drug development continuum.

• To be successful, we need outstanding individuals willing to challenge themselves to find the best solutions for our patients. The AbbVie Postdoctoral Program is one way we are doing just that. Through our Postdoctoral Program, we are hiring postdocs from key academic institutions for preferred areas of science in the U.S., while providing a unique opportunity for participants to build a solid career foundation in the pharmaceutical industry and building the AbbVie brand as an employer of choice for scientific talent. Participants in the Postdoctoral Program play an integral part in our continued success and will help us to further grow as a leader in our industry. The successful candidate will conduct novel and impactful research over a 2-3-year period. High-impact publications and presentations at scientific meetings are expected outcomes along with the opportunity to gain valuable experience working within a top-tier biopharmaceutical company. This assignment is expected to be for two years minimally and no more than three years.

• AbbVie has established the Foundational Neuroscience Center (FNC) in Cambridge, MA to investigate the fundamental biological mechanisms and to develop therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Although it is widely understood that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) primarily affects neurons of the hippocampus and cortex, the mechanism underlying the selective vulnerability of these neurons to tau pathology remains unclear. Stem cell technology offers the ability to convert stem cells from a single donor line into highly pure populations of different neuron subtypes representing both affected and unaffected neurons in AD. The Tau Biology group is seeking a highly motivated applicant with prior experience and expertise in cell biology and molecular neuroscience to leverage stem cell technology to test susceptibility to tau aggregation and to uncover the molecular signature characterizing vulnerability in a disease-relevant system. The aim of this project is to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into neurons expressing markers of the forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain or peripheral nervous system, evaluate those neurons in our tau aggregation assay, and investigate mechanisms that underly the unique properties of each neuron subtype.

• Candidate Responsibilities:
  • Differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells to different neuronal subtypes using published and internal protocols
  • Use immunofluorescence and biochemistry techniques in combination with high content imaging and protein-based assays to characterize hiPSC-neurons with and without tau aggregates
  • Collaborate with genomics experts to evaluate gene expression differences across hiPSC-neurons
  • Generate reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner and present data to the team
  • Read and apply relevant scientific literature
  • Contribute to writing of publications, presentations, and patents

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Successful completion and defense of a PhD in Neuroscience, Stem Cell Biology, or a related field
  • Expertise in cell/molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (including culture of mammalian cells, transfection/transduction, immunofluorescence, fluorescent microscopy, high content imaging, qPCR, RNA-seq, western blotting)
  • Record of publication in peer-reviewed journal(s)
  • Familiarity with programs such as Excel, Word, Prism, Photoshop, and Illustrator
  • Excellent problem-solving skills including critical and analytical thinking
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills
  • Demonstrated scientific writing skills and strong verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up strategies
  • Proven track record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation, initiative, and integrity
  • Global mindset to thrive in a diverse culture and environment
  • Strong organizational skills that facilitate planning, multitasking and working within timelines
  • Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and curious of the science
  • Desire to learn to novel neuroscience techniques
  • US based work authorization
  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Research background in Neuroscience and/or Stem Cell Biology
  • Strong scientific background in neurodegenerative disease modeling and/or the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and their derivatives to model human disease
  • Experience with human iPSC maintenance and differentiation of human iPSC to neurons
  • Experience with automation
  • Three letters of recommendation including Thesis Advisor and thesis committee members
  Key Leadership Competencies:
  • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the immediate team to enable higher performance
  • Learns fast and can change course quickly where indicated
  • Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo
  • Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation to drive the science in the field of interest
  • Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. At AbbVie, we value bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop new and innovative solutions for patients. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.

• AbbVie is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer: gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic., we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, At AbbVie, we value bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop new and innovative solutions for patients. As an equal opportunity employer
• Significant Work Activities and Conditions: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)
• Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
• Job Type: Experienced
• Schedule: Full-time