Academic ConnectFellow – Connectomics (Lichtman Lab)
School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Position Description
The Lichtman Lab is hiring a fellow to join a large-scale, high-throughput connectomics project. This project is a collaboration between Harvard, Princeton, Google, Allen Institute, Cambridge University, MIT, and Johns Hopkins University. The goal is to reconstruct 10 cubic millimeters of mouse brain at nanometer resolution.
In this role, the fellow will lead data acquisition at an electron microscopy facility at Harvard. Responsibilities include operating and optimizing the imaging pipeline, developing high-throughput quality control workflows, and conducting downstream data analysis. The pipeline utilizes a custom-built tissue mill integrated with a 91-beam scanning electron microscope, enabling automated imaging of large volumes of neural tissue at record speeds.
Given the pioneering nature of the project, substantial method development and troubleshooting will be expected.
This position is supported by a federal grant for up to three years, contingent on continued funding. The hire will work with other scientists in the Lichtman Lab and the Neurotechnology Core Facility. Full support will be provided by experienced SEM microscopists, engineers, computer scientists, and the lab’s PI. Regular lab and project team meetings will be held, and the hire will occasionally present updates for feedback.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, physics, biology, or a related field
- Experience in biological imaging and image processing
- Programming ability
- Organized, goal-oriented work ethic
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Additional Qualifications
Preferred Experience:
- Experience with electron microscopy and EM image analysis
- Background in neuroscience
- Background in computer and/or data science
- Experience with electronics, microcontrollers, or robotics
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work for extended periods at a computer
- Ability to handle fragile biological samples
- Manual dexterity required
Special Instructions
Please include the following with your application:
- Cover letter describing your interests and why you’re a good fit
- CV
Contact Information
Professor Jeff Lichtman
Northwest Building
52 Oxford St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Camila Ossa (Administrator)
📧 camila_ossa@harvard.edu
Contact Email: jeff@mcb.harvard.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
