Our Culture

group discussion in lab

At the Collaborative Center for X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, we believe in the power of Team Science.

Our core faculty labs are a rich, collaborative environment led by investigators with affiliations spanning MGH, Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Broad. Our staff meet in multi-disciplinary project teams that connect personnel based at MGH with CCXDP scientists at other institutions - all guided by the philosophy that we can accomplish more by working together than we can individually. These research initiatives are driven by scientists at all career levels, from faculty members and staff scientists to postdoctoral fellows, students, and technicians. And because our mission is to translate basic discoveries into clinical interventions, our basic scientists work side by side with the clinical investigators characterizing patterns of disease in patients.

Open Positions

Entrance to MGH main campus at sunset

Multiple positions are currently available:

  1. Postdoctoral fellows – stem cell modeling: There are current openings for postdoctoral fellows to join our Cell Modeling Initiative. This group develops novel 2D and 3D XDP cell culture models using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with CRISPR editing for functional genomic analyses. Postdoctoral fellows in this team lead efforts to derive and characterize these iPSC models using state-of-the-art molecular, biochemical, and high content imaging techniques in close collaboration with staff across all CCXDP core labs. We are looking for highly motivated individuals with strong backgrounds in mammalian tissue culture and experience working with human iPSCs. Additional experience differentiating iPSCs towards neuronal and glial lineages and/or with CRISPR editing is preferred. Candidates should have a PhD in neurobiology, cell biology, or related discipline, a strong publication record, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
  2. Postdoctoral fellows – genetics, genomics, and transcriptomics: We have multiple opportunities for postdoctoral fellows to join CCXDP Initiatives in Human Genetics and in Genomics and Transcriptomics. These teams integrate complex datasets derived from human biospecimens and iPSC models to interrogate the genome, transcriptome, and epigenome in XDP, using novel analytic tools developed by our computational scientists. We are looking for highly qualified individuals interested in collaborative projects that span multiple departments and scientific platforms. Ideal candidates will have interdisciplinary backgrounds in human genetics, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and/or computational biology with expertise in the analysis and interpretation of a spectrum of ‘omics datasets. A PhD in human genetics, quantitative genetics, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, or mathematics is required.
  3. Research technicians – all areas: The CCXDP core laboratories have openings for research technicians at all levels. We seek candidates with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or mammalian cell culture methods. Individuals with direct experience working with iPSCs and CRISPR are particularly encouraged to apply.

Join Our Team

To apply for a position with CCXDP, please send a resume and cover letter to Dr. Amy Alessi, CCXDP Program Director, at xdp@mgb.org.