"Associate Research Scientist - Molecular Genetics"

The Opportunity

This opportunity to join the Department of Pediatrics at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at the rank of Associate Research Scientist is an exciting one. Columbia University Irving Medical Center, one of the nation’s foremost academic health science centers. The Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is the top in comparison with other pediatrics department in the NY region in NIH research funding.

The Division of Molecular Genetics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City is seeking a highly motivated Associate Research Scientist to immediately participate in the conduct of studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of Prader-Willi syndrome, using stem cell models of human disease. The applicant will be using various techniques including the genetic modification of stem cells, directed differentiation, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, single molecule analysis of replicating DNA, and whole genome copy number analysis.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be working on studies using both cells from patients with Prader-Willi syndrome and from healthy controls to study the molecular mechanisms of the differential progression of DNA replication on maternal and paternal alleles at the Prader-Willi locus. S/He will be working on project: "Causes and Consequences of DNA Replication Stress in the Mammalian Preimplantation Embryo" and preparation, submission and revision of the manuscripts for publication. S/He will be using various techniques including the genetic modification of stem cells, directed differentiation, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, single molecule analysis of replicating DNA, Atac-seq and whole genome copy number analysis. S/He will participate in team collaborative research team meeting and conferences, seek input actively and develop strong communication skills, and other activities related to the research program of the PI’s lab.

Commitment of Diversity

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Educator. The University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. 

Columbia University welcomes applications from individuals who may have had nontraditional career paths, or who may have taken time off for family reasons (e.g. children, caring for disabled or elderly family), or who have achieved excellence in careers outside of academia (e.g., in professional or industry service). The University is responsive to the needs of dual career couples and is committed to supporting the work-life balance of its faculty. We are interested in candidates who have a record of success advising and mentoring individuals from groups underrepresented in higher education and is particularly interested in candidates who have research interests in subjects that will contribute to the understanding of diversity and equal opportunity.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

• Must have a doctorate degree (M.D. or Ph.D.) in Physiology with animal and stem cell experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, advanced organizational skills, a strong work ethic, and the motivation to identify scientific problems and solve them.