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 expertise in stem cell biology and/or neurobiology to study the molecular genetics of novel obesity variants. Our work 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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 creation and molecular characterization of mutation-specific human stem cell-derived hypothalamic neurons. The project will focus on identifying RNA expression profile of patient specific hypothalamic neurons intersecting with whole genome sequencing data to identify functional changes giving rise to extreme human phenotype. 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.

COMMITEMENT 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.)
• 2-3 years of postdoctoral training
• Consistently strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with professionals in other disciplines.
• The ability to create a high-energy results-oriented work environment that encourages colleagues and staff to value each other's contributions.
• The ability to share and celebrate success with colleagues and staff.