Research Assistant | Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Organization Overview

The Heintz laboratory investigates the molecular logic that governs cellular function and dysfunction in the mammalian cerebrum. While classical neuroanatomy has defined the structural complexity of the brain with remarkable precision, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate cell-to-cell interactions and maintain cerebral architecture remain incompletely understood. Our work focuses on uncovering these mechanisms at cell-type resolution, with a particular emphasis on how their disruption contributes to neurodegenerative disease. We integrate advanced genomic, epigenomic, and cell isolation approaches to study human brain tissue directly, enabling mechanistic insight into disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease.

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to contribute to projects dissecting the molecular basis of neuronal and glial function in the human brain. This role is ideal for candidates who want to gain deep, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art single-cell type sequencing technologies, while working in a rigorous and collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will play an active role in experimental execution, data generation, and quality control, working closely with senior scientists.

Importantly, this is not a purely technical support role - strong candidates will have the opportunity to develop experimental judgment, engage with scientific questions, and grow toward independent research thinking.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare and process human brain tissue for cell type specific assays
• Apply fluorescence-activated nuclear sorting (FANS) for cell-type-specific separation
• Perform molecular assays including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, and library preparation
• Execute epigenomic and chromatin accessibility assays (e.g., ATAC-seq, bisulfite sequencing)
• Maintain rigorous electronic and written lab records and contribute to data organization and QC pipelines
• Participate actively in lab meetings, journal clubs, and scientific discussions
• Support general lab operations, including reagent management and ordering

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field
• Prior laboratory experience with demonstrated familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques
• Strong organizational skills and attention to experimental detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research setting
• Clear communication skills and a high level of scientific integrity

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with RNA isolation and/or next-generation sequencing workflows
• Exposure to epigenomic assays (e.g., ATAC-seq, DNA methylation profiling)
• Familiarity with handling human tissue samples
• Basic experience with standard and/or advanced data analysis software tools (Excel, R, or similar)