Vandenberghe Lab at Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center

Graduate Student Positions

Students of all Harvard programs are welcome. Dr. Vandenberghe is faculty in the following Graduate Programs:

• HMS Ph.D. Program in Virology
• HMS Ph.D. Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS)
• Leder Human Biology and Translational Medicine
• Therapeutics Graduate Program
• Students in other programs are invited to apply including Systems Biology and Immunology.

Postdoctoral Positions

Several postdoctoral fellowship positions are available within a range of expertises and interest.

• Protein Engineering, Molecular Viral Library Development and Evaluation: development of adeno-associated viral vector design and evaluation thereof using NGS and high-throughput technologies
• Viral Immunology and Host-Vector Interactions: Study of the host response of novel molecular viral vectors in animal models and humans
• Bio-informatics and Systems Biology: Study of large datasets on vector-host interactions relevant to gene therapy in order to obtain systems understanding of the interplay between host genomics and viral vector structure.
• In vivo gene transfer and Translational Gene Therapy: evaluation of the safety and targeting potential of novel viral vectors for therapeutic gene transfer in animal models and disease models, with a focus on retina, cochlea, liver, muscle, heart and/or liver.

Scientific Staff Positions

A few senior scientific staff positions are available within the Vandenberghe laboratory.

• Protein Engineering, Molecular Viral Library Development and Evaluation: development of adeno-associated viral vector design and evaluation thereof using NGS and high-throughput technologies
• Viral Immunology and Host-Vector Interactions: Study of the host response of novel molecular viral vectors in animal models and humans
• In vivo gene transfer and Translational Gene Therapy: evaluation of the safety and targeting potential of novel viral vectors for therapeutic gene transfer in animal models and disease models, with a focus on retina, cochlea, liver, muscle, heart and/or liver.

Research Lab Tech II-Gene Transfer Vector Core

POSITION SUMMARY:

A position has become available to support production and admin activities at the Gene Transfer Vector Core, Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center located at the Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary. At the Core facility, our research is focused on developing gene transfer technologies and supporting research in gene therapies for diseases with unmet need.

The position provides an exciting opportunity to undertake diverse and independent responsibilities in a team context with excellent support and training. Selected candidates are required to be highly motivated to support leading AAV research programs by participating in production of AAV as an ongoing activity of the Core along with other assigned job functions under the guidance of manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Perform tissue culture and AAV viral vector production (training will be provided)
2. Conduct projects for plasmid cloning and other molecular biology techniques. Take initiatives and responsibility to complete the project and report to manager
3. Method development under supervision, as needed. Candidate should be capable to work independently in experiment design, execution, and data analysis under the direction of manager
4. Maintain careful records of all procedures and results, databases, lab notebook, etc
5. Active participation in meetings to discuss data, and share/discuss relevant literature
6. High-level responsibility to meet assigned goals for core productivity under the direction of manager
7. Maintain lab equipment, reagents, inventories, records under the direction of Principal Investigator
8. Additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with research expertise (2 years). Master’s degree in related field can be substituted for years of experience. Experience in following is relevant and desirable –
  • Experience in molecular cloning, PCR
  • Cell culturing (bacterial, mammalian cell lines)
  • Experience in protein purification, column chromatography etc. biochemistry methods
  • Experience in cell-culture based functional assays
• Prior work experience working in a viral vectors or other cores is desirable
• Experience in planning and designing experiments and analyzing and interpreting data
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Ability to remain flexible and work well with colleagues in a team setting.
• Use of software packages, such as MS Excel, SnapGene, Prism, EndNote, etc

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work will primarily take place in a research laboratory setting. Job may require exposure to bio-hazardous or toxic substances, including but not limited to Blood Borne Pathogens.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires alertness and manual dexterity.

Research Fellow-Chekuri Lab

Research Lab Tech I-Chekuri Lab

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center at Mass Eye and Ear has an open position for a Research Assistant to assist in the application of novel gene therapy modalities. The Center provides a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment that pursues the common goal of developing therapeutic gene transfer in future medicine.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the laboratory of Dr. Anil Chekuri to perform in vivo experiments both in small animal models. The main responsibilities of this position will include animal experimentation and rodent colony management. Familiarity with tissue processing is desirable. Demonstrated excellence in time management and organizational skills are essential. A bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline is required.

We offer a flexible and collaborative environment, as well as the opportunity to develop scientifically and to explore the promising field of translational AAV gene therapy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Animal work (rodents):
Colony management and animal handling (breeding, tagging, and genotyping)
Sub-retinal injections
Injections (SQ, IM, RO, IV, IVT, SR, IP)
In vivo imaging and Electroretinography
Pre-op and post-op care
Euthanasia/necropsy
Tissue collection

Ensure cleanliness of the lab and equipment including instrument maintenance.
Adherence to pertinent departmental policies, practices and procedures (SOPs, IACUC, Hazardous materials, safety procedures and biosafety protocols).
Keep accurate records of experiments; analyze data, and present results to PI.
Tissue processing (tissue fixation/freezing, embedding, cryo-sectioning and DNA/RNA extraction) is an asset.
Molecular cloning of plasmids using PCR, restriction digestion and other methods
Cell and tissue culture.
Biochemical assays including SDS-PAGE and ELISA.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

BS/BA in biology or related discipline
Experience in or willing to learn vivo rodent manipulation (including colony management, injections and necropsies).
Experience in or willing to learn Optical coherence tomography, fundus imaging, and in vivo bioluminescence imaging.
Must be able to work as part of a team.
Excellent time management and organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work will primarily take place in a research laboratory setting. Job may require exposure to bio-hazardous or toxic substances.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires alertness and manual dexterity.