"Associate Research Scientist"

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 with in stem cell modeling and genome engineering. Our group investigates the molecular genetics of severe obesity and other endocrine disorders and is dedicated to translating genomic discoveries into precision therapies. The position offers the opportunity to apply patient-derived pluripotent stem cell systems and CRISPR-based functional genomics to understand disease mechanisms and explore therapeutic rescue strategies.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will generate and differentiate patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells into neuronal or other relevant cells relevant to the disease. They will use CRISPR/Cas9 editing to introduce and correct rare variants identified in patients with severe obesity, providing direct functional validation of genetic discoveries. The scientist will further explore CRISPR-based therapeutic approaches, testing rescue strategies in cellular models while integrating multi-omics datasets to uncover molecular pathways driving disease. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with cross-disciplinary experts in stem cell biology, neurobiology, functional genomics, and clinical genetics, ensuring exposure to diverse approaches and perspectives.

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.

• Must have a doctorate degree (M.D. or Ph.D.) in the biological sciences and have completed at least three years of postdoctoral training.
• Prior experience in stem cell biology, genome engineering, or molecular neurobiology is expected, and expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 editing and iPSC culture is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, a proven ability to conduct rigorous research, and a collaborative spirit that thrives in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, a proven ability to conduct rigorous research, and a collaborative spirit that thrives in an interdisciplinary environment. The ability to share and celebrate success with colleagues and staff.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.