Associate Research Scientist II, Technology Innovation Lab & EH&S Teams - New York Genome Center

We are looking for a motivated molecular biologist or bioengineer to join our team, assist in the development and application of new molecular biology engineering approaches, 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 Technology Innovation Lab at the New York Genome Center (NYGC) is led by Dr. Sanja Vicković, who holds a joint faculty appointment in Columbia University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. The Technology Innovation lab is a dedicated incubator for the development and early-stage evaluation of new genomics tools and methodologies. It serves as a creative hub for generating new technologies, protocol development, equipment evaluation and informatics tool development/integration. Although the focus of the lab is constantly evolving due to the fast-paced advancement of genomic technologies, it is committed to developing technologies with the potential to advance research for the wider scientific community, including the recent advancements listed below. A few examples of current and past areas of research include Spatial Transcriptomics and Spatial Multi-Omics, ECCITE-seq, Cell Hashing and CITE-seq.

In addition, you will support our Facilities and Environmental Health & Safety teams, facilitating smooth operations for NYGC academic and sequencing laboratories by managing shared laboratory spaces and central ordering of common lab supplies. The Associate Research Scientist II will provide operational and technical support for NYGC faculty and lab staff and ensure efficient use of shared resources and assets. This role will work closely with research and sequencing laboratories, reporting to the Director, EHS, Compliance & Facilities as well as the Director of Technology Innovation.

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 10X Genomics platform(s) development for single cell and spatial sequencing;
• Maintain and perform the established single cell and spatial transcriptomics (FISH, IHC, PySeq) and Illumina or Oxford Nanopore sequencing workflows with supervision;
• 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;
• Negotiate with vendors for bulk discounts on lab supplies.
• Manage operation, maintenance, and scheduling for the Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS).
• Maintain a stock room of common lab supplies through central ordering. Ensure efficient tracking of orders through enterprise resource planning software, and accurate billing to appropriate teams based on materials used.
• Order and receive all laboratory deliveries centrally and distribute to the appropriate laboratories or personnel.
• Assist with the maintenance of hard and/or electronic repositories of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) when needed.
• Organize and maintain common storage areas for academic laboratories such as stock rooms, cold rooms, and freezer rooms when needed.
• Maintain a central semi-annual chemical inventory system for the institution.

Requirements & Qualifications

• M.Sc in engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, biology or equivalent fields required;
• 2-4 years of R&D experience in a laboratory setting 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.
• Demonstrated exposure to data analysis required; programming skills in R, Python, Perl, or similar is preferred;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, preferably with Mac OS;
• Ability to multitask is a must, along with an orientation toward teamwork and cooperation;
• 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.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs repeatedly is preferred.

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 & Benefits

The pay range for this position is $71,500 - 86,000 per year; the 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. 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 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.

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 relocation assistance