Postdoctoral Scientist in Molecular and Cellular Neuroimmunology




Cambridge, Massachusetts

Principal Investigator


Amgen Neuroscience is seeking a motivated postdoctoral cell and molecular biologist to explore the signaling pathways connected to human genetics in Alzheimer’s disease. As the field of neuroimmunology holds great potential for neurodegenerative disease therapeutics, a deeper understanding of the biochemical control over immune responses in cells such as microglia is needed. The successful candidate will work with a mentor in Amgen’s neuroimmune biology lab to explore hypotheses relating to microglial receptors such as TREM2 and CD33 in addition to signal transduction through PLCg2. Also, this position is highly enabled to explore genotype-to-phenotype relationships via functional genomics (siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9, and chemogenomic screens). Translation of in vitro findings into Amgen's mouse models of microglial function will also be encouraged. Ultimately, the postdoc will have access to a host of chemical biology, iPSC, genome editing, proteomics, structural biology, and transcriptomics infrastructure.

This position is ideal for those seeking to understand the fundamentals of therapeutic discovery and translational biology while honing their skills as an independent investigator focused on basic science questions. The expectation will be for the postdoc to build robust data sets and observations that advance the field of neuroimmunology through open-access publications and conference presentations. Amgen offers a rich, career-oriented, and multidisciplinary environment for postdocs to pursue research questions and author manuscripts. At the same time, many opportunities will exist to interact with drug discovery teams and contribute meaningfully to decision-driving science.  

Role Responsibilities:

Planning and execution of molecular and cellular experiments to understand neuroimmunological processes. Responsible for generating reproducible and well-controlled data sets suitable for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals.

Construction of in vitro models and assays for studying microglial phenotypes and monitoring biochemical signaling pathways.

Developing deep expertise in neuroimmune function and the state of the art in the field.

Interfacing with teams from chemistry, assay development, human genomics, and in vivo pharmacology to enhance the confidence in and impact of novel in vitro observations.

Contribute innovation, ideas, and literature insights into the development of novel approaches to study the immune processes in the brain.

Under the guidance of a mentor, build a cohesive course of study that can be compiled into manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation in scientific forums.


Basic Qualifications:

Ph.D. or doctorate degree completed by December 2019. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology techniques including current methodologies in vector construction, site-directed mutagenesis, qRT-PCR, DNA/RNA/protein quantification, immunoprecipitation, and protein interaction analysis.

Application of mammalian cell culture and associated techniques with an emphasis on cell line development.

Previous research involving the study of the immune system.

Experience with fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS).

Strong proficiency in written and spoken English with the ability to convey ideas and information clearly.

Ability/willingness to work with in vivo models such as rodent.

Highly proficient with statistics, figure design, and scientific data analysis software (e.g., Graphpad Prism, Image J, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, SigmaPlot, Metamorph, Origin, and R).

Successful utilization of genome editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN platforms.