Broad Institute

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is one of the world's leading biomedical research institutes. It seeks to discover the molecular basis of major human diseases, develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics, and disseminate discoveries, tools, methods, and data openly to the entire scientific community. Founded in 2004, the Broad Institute includes faculty, professional staff, and students from throughout the MIT and Harvard biomedical research communities, with collaborations spanning the globe. 

With the advent of the genomics era, human genetic studies have discovered thousands of genetic variants associated with disease. We aim to identify pathological mechanisms of human disease through functional dissection of genetic variants associated with autoimmunity. Projects involve the development and implementation of high throughput genome engineering and multimodal single cell profiling to phenotype variants at scale. These functional genomics studies are performed in high fidelity cellular models of disease, including primary human cells and organoids from blood, liver, gut, and lung. Mechanistic insights from characterization of disease variants are leveraged to formulate new therapeutic hypotheses for testing in proof-of-concept studies in preclinical models of autoimmunity. A strong background in molecular biology and/or biochemistry is a plus. 

The human microbiome has co-evolved with its host to establish a stable homeostatic relationship with hallmark features of mutualistic symbioses. With emerging evidence implicating the microbiome as a potent disease modifying factor across numerous tissues and disease states, we aim to decode molecular interactions between the microbiome and host that modulate health and disease. Projects involve discovery of chemical dark matter in the microbiome and functional characterization of bioactive metabolites to identify host cellular responses and molecular targets that mediate interactions between the microbiome and the host immune system. Additional projects focus on education of the adaptive immune system by the microbiome. Discovery of B and T cell antigens derived from the microbiome allows for tracking antigen-specific lymphocytes and functional characterization of dynamic shifts in regulatory versus inflammatory responses. The goals of these projects are to define mechanisms of tolerance and microbial triggers of autoimmunity.  

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry  or a closely related field 
• Excellent computational/programming and analytical skills. 
• Fast learner and analytical thinker, comfortable taking initiative to learn new skills and drive projects to completion. 
• Demonstrated experience in statistical research and/or genetics, publication in scientific journals and demonstrated ability to communicate scientific ideas through verbal presentations. 
• Motivation to communicate research findings with the broader field through high- quality publications. 
• Strong communication skills and willingness to engage with other members of the lab and contribute ideas through team meetings and discussions. 

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