"Associate Research Scientist"

The Benjamin Izar laboratory at Columbia University, Division of Hematology & Oncology is seeking an experimental Associate Research Scientist, with expertise in gene editing and cellular engineering for the treatment of cancer and classification of genetic variants. This is a fully funded position with support for up to 5 years with the possibility of additional career development opportunities.

The Izar lab has a track record in cancer immunotherapy research and technology development and is part of the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology. In this role you will:

• Use cutting-edge technologies for gene editing of human and murine immune cells
• Perform massively parallel screens
• Characterize both disease-causing variants and variants that enhance cell therapies
• Characterize signaling changes in engineered cells
• Develop the next wave of cutting-edge gene editing technologies for cell engineering and characterization
• The ARS will also work closely with the Columbia University Irving Medical Center cell manufacturing facility to prepare translation of cell products for clinical application.

Characteristic Duties, Skills and Expectations:

• Serve as a leader of the research team, reporting directly to PI, provide mentorship to junior members of our lab, including MD/PhD students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Proficiency in molecular biology and immunology methods, including molecular engineering, cloning, viral transduction, CRISPR-based engineering, flow-cytometry, T cell culture, co-culture experiment, and functional T cell assays (cytokines, proliferation, etc.).
• Proficiency with in vivo experiments (tumor engraftment, monitoring, drug administration, mouse dissection, cell isolation etc.).
• Experience in T cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell design, engineering, and production preferred, but not required.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, contribute or lead the writing of grant applications and manuscripts under the direct supervision of PI.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. and/or MD with prior research experience in gene editing and/or cell therapy.
• Three or more years of prior wet-lab experience in rigorous academic or industry lab.
• Ability to operate in a multi-disciplinary team as leader and team member.
• Meticulous record keeping and data management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (English), both in the form of written reports and figure making.

For consideration, please format an application as a single PDF document containing the following:

• Cover letter (1-page maximum) indicating past, current and future research interests. Please include expected date of availability.
• Names and contact information of three references.
• Reprints of up to three publications (optional).

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran