We are looking for a motivated molecular biologist to join our team, assist in the development and application of new molecular biology engineering approaches applied to cancer progression, and to coordinate experimental work across the lab. As an Associate Research Scientist II, you will be a critical member of a collaborative team with opportunities to contribute to innovative research projects. You will investigate and test new methods and technologies for project advancement, in order to understand the mechanisms of disease progression through easy-to-use genetic engineering tools designed in the lab. Under the supervision of the project lead(s), you will critically assess the merit of various experimental approaches, plan and conduct the experiments, interpret the results and help decision-making on the project.

The Vicković Lab at the New York Genome Center, Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and Columbia University’s Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics is looking for a motivated individual to work as an Associate Research Scientist I within a creative and dynamic research team of scientists and engineers. The Vicković Lab is focused on developing novel “digital pathology” tools to track disease progression with the aim of identifying translatable drug and therapeutic targets in human tissue cohorts. The team leverages technologies including spatial transcriptomics, single-cell sequencing, and machine learning. A particular area of disease focus for the lab is developing tools for spatial genomics that will enable perturbing highly complex interactions in colorectal cancer development. 

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Work as a key part of a team to advance multiple technological (bio)engineering projects.
• Carry out procedures associated with sciPlex, EasySci, 10X Genomics platform(s) development for single cell and spatial sequencing;
• Perform quality control of raw sequencing and imaging data including running established sequencing pipelines (eg. Seurat, Scanpy, etc)
• Track all work and issues in the appropriate databases/tracking sheets;
• Train others in protocols developed in the course of the project;
• Attend team meetings and present results. Contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Requirements & Qualifications 

• B.Sc or M.Sc in molecular biology, cell biology, bioengineering, or equivalent fields required;
• 2-4 years of R&D molecular biology research experience required;
• Cell culturing experience required;
• 10X Genomics platform expertise required;
• Histology and pathology processing of immunostainings and in situ hybridizations required;.
• Experience using automated high-throughput laboratory equipment, such as robotics is considered a strong plus;
• Experience with sciPlex, EasySci or other combinatorial single cell sequencing approaches considered a strong plus;
• Demonstrated exposure to imaging data analysis required; programming skills in R, Python, Perl, or similar is required;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work efficiently in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment required.
• Strong research, organizational, problem solving and communication skills (both written and oral) required, coupled with a strong attention to detail and scientific curiosity.

Competencies

• Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.
• Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
• Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

Work Flexibility

NYGC has established a flexible work policy to give employees and other staff more ability to balance their work, personal commitments, and commuting challenges. The incumbent in this position is eligible for a flexible work schedule or hybrid remote work arrangement with supervisory approval.

Salary
The salary range for this position is $68,000-83,500 per year. Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, NYGC offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with the leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Please note: We care greatly about our employees’ wellbeing, so NYGC has moved to a fully COVID-19 vaccinated work environment. You must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to work at NYGC, even if you are working partially remotely. If you are selected to interview for this role, we will explain our vaccination policy (including medical and religious exemptions) and ensure you are comfortable moving forward with further interviews.

Equal Opportunity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to NYGC’s core mission. We strive to create a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or religion. We believe that when people of various backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives work together in an inclusive and equitable environment we gain new and valuable perspectives that otherwise would have been missed. Valuing and supporting all NYGC employees as individuals while helping them realize their full potential is critical to promoting greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery – fostering a sense of belonging for our greatest strength, our people. We recognize that there is still work to be done that will require sustained commitment from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NYGC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. 

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.