The Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease at the New York Genome Center seek a dynamic, self-motivated, team-oriented Staff Scientist to expand efforts in understanding mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. We are interested in developing integrative multi-modal data analysis tools incorporating single cell and spatially resolved omics data, imaging data, clinical phenotypes, variants, and genotypes. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of mathematical modeling, omics data analysis, workflow optimization, and resource building. 

Responsibilities may include:

• Develop and optimize of complex molecular and biochemical protocols for the generation of diverse genome-wide datasets from cell lines and tissues

• Facilitate the planning and co-ordination of research programs involving diverse disease cohorts in neurodegeneration

• Supervise technical support staff in end-to-end NGS library preparation and quality control

• Train technical support staff in the execution of project-relevant tasks and protocols

• Stay up to date with advances and novel methods in biotechnology, sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools to identify relevant developments and facilitate their on-boarding into current operations

• Develop new computational, machine learning, and statistical analysis methods for integrating and analyzing large-scale, spatially resolved RNA-seq and genotypic data using current state of the art technologies

• Develop a resource for the community that gives access to collected data

• Work closely with experimental colleagues and cores to understand the nature of generated data

• Coordinate efforts across multiple organizations (Columbia University and New York Genome Center)

• Actively participate in the preparation of manuscripts for publication and present at scientific conferences

• Assist in peer- and student-mentorship; and

• Share expertise and provide training and guidance to group members as needed.

Position Requirements:

• A minimum of a Ph.D. in computational biology, computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline is required

• Minim of 4 years of post-Ph.D. directly relevant work experience required

• In-depth conceptual or technical understanding of modern high-throughput molecular technologies in the life sciences (RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry) required

• Prior experience with Bayesian inference, network inference, and image analysis are preferred, but exceptionally creative and driven scientists with an interest and adaptability will be seriously considered

• Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, and presentation skills required

• Experience writing scientific articles for publication required

• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time required

• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills, and willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment required.

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.

Salary

The full salary range for this position is $80,000 - $107,000, with a likely starting salary up to $95,000 per year. Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, In addition, NYGC offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off. This includes Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Holidays, Sick, and Other Leave, including a paid winter break; a 401(k) match; Life Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; employee Tuition Reimbursement; flexible schedules and telework options for some positions; an Employee Assistance Program; and much more.

About the Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease at the New York Genome Center

The Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease (CGND) is led by Dr. Hemali Phatnani, who holds a joint faculty appointment in Columbia University’s Department of Neurology. Dr. Phatnani’s lab is dedicated to the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Dementia. The CGND at NYGC is the hub of a worldwide collaborative research effort centered on the genetics and genomics of ALS and FTD. The CGND’s vision is to integrate multiple data types, such as state of the art spatial genomics and imaging methods and clinical and histopathological characterizations of postmortem tissue, to study mechanisms of age-related decline and neurodegenerative disease. The Phatnani lab uses Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) to deconvolve both spatial and cell-type specific gene expression in the central nervous system; simultaneously measuring gene expression changes across entire brain or spinal cord regions from human tissue while retaining spatial information. In conjunction with such transcriptome-wide approaches, the CGND and Innovation labs also developed tools and workflows to enable highly multiplexed, high-throughput spatially resolved immunofluorescence measurements on human tissue. The lab partners with several clinical centers within and outside the United States to apply these methods to the study of human postmortem tissue.

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 the core mission at the NYGC. 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 based on 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. The New York Genome Center 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.