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Summary Description
The Judith Sulzberger Genome Center at the Columbia University Medical Center is seeking a Staff Associate. This position will be in our next generation sequencing core, with emphasis on single cell RNA sequencing. The lab is fast growing, and equipped with state-of-the-art high-throughput sequencing instruments. The Genome Center is a production-scale Next Generation Sequencing laboratory accepting thousands of samples per year. The Genome Center is involved with all aspects of next generation sequencing for a wide range of research projects, including whole genome, exome and RNA sequencing, beginning with sample quality control through analytics. We have extensive collaborations with investigators at Columbia University, including in personal medicine and cancer genomics. In addition, members of the lab may have opportunities to be involved in the development of novel techniques in library preparation and sequencing.
She/he must have extensive experience with working in a lab, and the scientific knowledge to understand protocols and clients’ research goals.
Scientific Skills:
- Familiarity with enzymatic reactions and PCR.- Basic handling of live single cells.- Background in genetics and/or cancer biology.
- Understanding of the goals of precision/personalized medicine.
Benchwork Skills:
- Technical proficiency in laboratory benchwork necessary for achieving precise and consistent results.
- The ability to accurately record data and keep a very neat, well organized and up to date lab notebook.
- Experience handling DNA and RNA is required, and previous experience working with samples in plates and/or with multichannel pipettes is preferred.
- Must be able to work independently in an orderly manner, and in accordance with all safety regulations.
Lab Operations:
- Managing a large inventory.
- Placing orders for lab reagents and supplies.
- Keeping records necessary to track and reconcile orders with the department.
As the Genome Center provides a service to clients, she/he will have significant interaction with the PIs and researchers throughout a project, and will need to communicate with our users in an impeccable professional manner.
Client Interaction:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
- Project management experience is preferred.
- Advise and assist clients with project design, taking into consideration the scientific goals of the project.
Minimum Qualifications:
Four years of professional experience in research lab or a core facility is required, special consideration for those with experience in next-generation sequencing will be given.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous hands-on experience in next generation sequencing of different platforms, especially Illumina, is strongly preferred.
- Some knowledge in bioinformatics or data management is strongly preferred.
- Experience with liquid handling automation or single-cell sequencing is desired.
As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Council of Ivy Group Presidents (Ivy League), it is imperative that members of the Columbia University community, in all matters related to the intercollegiate athletics program, exhibit the highest professional standards and ethical behavior with regard to adherence to NCAA, Conference, University, and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education rules and regulations.
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.
