Research Scientist I

RNA Sensor Design and High-Throughput Brain Cell Targeting The Chen Lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard seeks a highly motivated Research Scientist to independently lead a flagship, multi-year project focused on the design and implementation of RNA sensors for high-throughput brain cell targeting. This role offers a rare opportunity to drive a cutting-edge research program at the intersection of pooled genetic screening, programmable molecular targeting, and next-generation delivery strategies for the nervous system. The successful candidate will have primary scientific ownership of the project, spanning conceptual design, experimental execution, data analysis, and collaboration. They will work closely with researchers across the Broad Institute and with external collaborators at partner universities, while also mentoring junior scientists and contributing to the broader intellectual direction of the lab. This position is ideal for a scientist who is excited to lead ambitious, technology-driven research with translational potential and broad impact across neuroscience and genomics. CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES • Independently design and lead a research program to develop RNA sensor–based strategies for high-throughput, cell-type-specific targeting in the brain • Design, execute, and analyze pooled genetic and molecular screens to identify and optimize targeting strategies • Develop and optimize experimental pipelines spanning molecular engineering, delivery, screening, and readout • Integrate experimental results with computational analysis to guide iterative design and discovery • Collaborate with internal Broad Institute teams and external academic collaborators to advance shared scientific goals • Lead and mentor graduate students and research associates contributing to the project • Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, grant reports, and dissemination of new technologies • Support documentation, reproducibility, and potential intellectual property generation related to new methods REQUIREMENTS • Ph.D. (or equivalent) in molecular biology, bioengineering, neuroscience, genomics, or a related field  • Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex research projects from conception through execution and publication  • Strong experience with pooled genetic or molecular screens, programmable targeting strategies, or delivery technologies • Solid experimental background with comfort working across molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches • Experience analyzing large-scale screening or genomics datasets; familiarity with computational or statistical analysis workflows is strongly preferred • Proven mentorship or team-leadership experience, or clear potential to supervise and guide junior scientists • Excellent communication, organizational, and collaborative skills in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment  WORK ENVIRONMENT The Broad Institute provides a vibrant, highly collaborative research environment with close ties to MIT, Harvard, and Harvard-affiliated hospitals across Boston. This position offers exceptional opportunities for scientific visibility, collaboration, and long-term impact, with work that will be broadly utilized and recognized across the global genomics and neuroscience research communities.