Associate Research Scientist-Molecular Genetics

Columbia University - New York, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

New York, NY

Educational Services

About the position

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, is seeking a highly motivated Associate Research Scientist with expertise in stem cell biology and/or neurobiology to study the molecular genetics of novel obesity variants. The Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is the top in comparison with other pediatrics departments in the NY region in NIH research funding. The Division of Molecular Genetics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City focuses on identifying rare genetic variants in children and adults with severe obesity by next generation sequencing, and its validation in patient-specific pluripotent stem cell derived neuronal models. The position will be under the direction of Dr. Thaker, a pediatric endocrinologist with expertise in computational biology, working in a vibrant research environment with cross-disciplinary expertise in a variety of in vivo and in vitro models. The eligible candidate will have exposure to cutting-edge technologies including stem cell biology, single cell and bulk RNA sequencing as well as clinical research in humans. We are a highly interactive and collaborative research team that works on the creation and molecular characterization of mutation-specific human stem cell-derived hypothalamic neurons. The project will focus on identifying RNA expression profiles of patient-specific hypothalamic neurons intersecting with whole genome sequencing data to identify functional changes giving rise to extreme human phenotypes. The scientist should have a strong interest in human stem cell biology and/or neurobiology. Previous expertise and/or interest in stem cell biology, next-gen sequencing technologies, and genomics is preferred, but not necessary. Motivation, strong interpersonal and communication skills including fluency in spoken and written English and excellence in scientific rigor is valued more than previous field of study. Advanced degree in Biological Sciences such as PhD or MD/PhD is required. The candidate will benefit from an interdisciplinary and collegial environment at Columbia and the vibrant and supportive atmosphere of a junior lab. Salary is competitive based on qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Study the molecular genetics of novel obesity variants.
• Identify rare genetic variants in children and adults with severe obesity by next generation sequencing.
• Validate findings in patient-specific pluripotent stem cell derived neuronal models.
• Create and molecularly characterize mutation-specific human stem cell-derived hypothalamic neurons.
• Identify RNA expression profiles of patient-specific hypothalamic neurons intersecting with whole genome sequencing data.
• Collaborate with a highly interactive research team.
• Utilize cutting-edge technologies including stem cell biology and RNA sequencing.

Requirements

• Must have a doctorate degree (M.D. or Ph.D.)
• 2 - 3 years of postdoctoral training
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with professionals in other disciplines
• Ability to create a high-energy results-oriented work environment
• Ability to share and celebrate success with colleagues and staff.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous expertise in stem cell biology
• Interest in next-gen sequencing technologies
• Background in genomics

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications
• Supportive atmosphere of a junior lab
• Interdisciplinary and collegial environment