Associate Research Scientist

The Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (IICD) at Columbia University focuses on quantitative and technological aspects of cancer research and has extensive collaborations with experimental labs at Columbia and further afield. Over 100 researchers are affiliated with the IICD, which has an extensive outreach program, seminar series, and many opportunities for developing new collaborations. The IICD's website is at cancerdynamics.columbia.edu, where further details may be found.

The research project will be undertaken in the IICD, in collaboration with the Tumorigenesis and Molecular Cancer Prevention group led by Dr Karol Nowicki-Osuch at the German Cancer Research Center (DFKZ) in Heidelberg. The project's focus on a detailed single-cell multiome sequencing-based assessment of the initial steps in gastric and esophageal cancer development. We are using new animal models and primary human samples and are generating single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA-seq, and spatial transcriptomics data. The successful applicant will demonstrate:

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  detailed knowledge of single-cell data analysis approaches, including raw data processing, quality control, batch and modality integration, and visualization

  
  
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  clear understanding of molecular processes defining healthy gastro-esophageal homeostasis and how their perturbations lead to precancerous lesion development

  
  
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  ability to amalgamate diverse data modalities to draw conclusions from complex experimental settings

  
  
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  excellent communication skills

  
  

Part of the work will require the development of novel analysis methods focusing on minute shifts in cellular states observed during cancer initiation. As this is a collaborative study, you will be further responsible for sharing the data with other members of the consortium and external partners. The successful applicant will present this work at professional meetings and through peer-reviewed publications.

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the advertisement appears and will continue until the position is filled.

The initial appointment will be for one year, with continuation contingent on performance and funding.

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

The successful candidate must have:

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  A PhD in Biological Sciences or a closely related field

  
  
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  A strong background in molecular biology and the quantitative analysis of single-cell RNAseq experiments and related technologies

  
  
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  Experience in statistical analysis using R

  
  
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  Knowledge of cancer biology

  
  

Application Instructions: We accept online applications only.

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.