Staff Scientist I, Data Science
Lieber Institute for Brain Development
Summary
A Staff Scientist position in computational biology and bioinformatics is available to work within the Neural Plasticity division at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD). Our research investigates the molecular organization, development, and function of brain circuits involved in psychiatric disorders. We combine molecular profiling of postmortem human brain tissue with experimental mouse studies and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and organoid models to understand how distinct neuronal populations contribute to brain function and disease, with the goal of discovering novel therapeutic targets.
Job description
Job Summary
A Staff Scientist position in computational biology and bioinformatics is available to work within the Neural Plasticity division at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD). Our research investigates the molecular organization, development, and function of brain circuits involved in psychiatric disorders. We combine molecular profiling of postmortem human brain tissue with experimental mouse studies and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and organoid models to understand how distinct neuronal populations contribute to brain function and disease, with the goal of discovering novel therapeutic targets.
The successful candidate will lead analyses of single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and other multiomic datasets generated by our team and collaborators. This position offers opportunities to develop computational approaches, shape research questions, and work closely with experimental scientists to connect molecular findings with cellular organization, circuit function, and behavior.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Analyze and interpret large-scale genomic and multiomic datasets from human brain tissue, mouse and organoid models, and public resources.
- Develop and apply computational and statistical approaches to address research questions in neuroscience and psychiatric disorders.
- Develop and maintain reproducible analysis workflows, with responsibility for data quality, documentation, and organization.
- Prepare scientific figures, write and revise manuscripts, and contribute to grant applications in collaboration with research teams.
- Present research findings at team meetings and scientific conferences.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Minimum Qualifications
- Master's Degree or higher (PhD Preferred) in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Genetics, Neuroscience, or related field is required.
- A minimum of 2 years related experience.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Proficiency in Linux and programming with R or Python
- Demonstrated experience analyzing large-scale transcriptomic or other genomic datasets, particularly single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics data.
- Strong understanding of statistical analysis, including experimental design, regression or mixed-effects models, multiple testing, and sources of technical and biological variation.
- Familiarity with high-performance computing, version control, and reproducible analysis practices.
- Ability to independently develop analytical strategies, troubleshoot computational problems, and critically evaluate results.
- Expertise to ask and interpret biological questions underlying the data and ability to communicate findings clearly to colleagues with varied computational and experimental backgrounds is highly desired.
- Previous experience working on genomics datasets related to neuroscience or psychiatry is preferred but not required.
Requirements
- Master's Degree or higher (PhD Preferred) in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Genetics, Neuroscience, or related field
- A minimum of 2 years related experience
- Proficiency in Linux and programming with R or Python
- Demonstrated experience analyzing large-scale transcriptomic or other genomic datasets, particularly single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics data
- Strong understanding of statistical analysis, including experimental design, regression or mixed-effects models, multiple testing, and sources of technical and biological variation
- Familiarity with high-performance computing, version control, and reproducible analysis practices
- Ability to independently develop analytical strategies, troubleshoot computational problems, and critically evaluate results
- Expertise to ask and interpret biological questions underlying the data and ability to communicate findings clearly to colleagues with varied computational and experimental backgrounds is highly desired
- Previous experience working on genomics datasets related to neuroscience or psychiatry is preferred but not required
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package
Company overview
The Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) is a premier nonprofit research institute dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Founded in 2010 and affiliated with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, LIBD operates as an independent 501(c)(3) organization located in Baltimore, Maryland. The institute's core mission focuses on discovering the genetic and molecular foundations of brain disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, with the ultimate goal of developing next-generation treatments that address underlying biological causes rather than just symptoms. LIBD maintains the world's largest collection of postmortem human brains for mental illness research, comprising over 5,000 specimens that provide invaluable resources for genomic and molecular studies. The institute employs cutting-edge technologies including spatial transcriptomics, single-cell analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to accelerate drug discovery. Recent initiatives include the African Ancestry Neuroscience Research Initiative (AANRI), which addresses racial disparities in neuroscience research by focusing on brain gene expression in African American populations. LIBD's research spans from basic science to translational medicine, with active drug discovery programs developing novel therapeutics like LI-633, a peripherally restricted GABA-A modulator for visceral pain. The institute collaborates extensively with academic, pharmaceutical, and community partners to transform the landscape of brain disorder research and treatment.