Research Technician II

Research Technician II

The Landau Lab at the New York Genome Center/Weill Cornell Medicine is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented experimental scientist to join our interdisciplinary team studying somatic evolution, cancer genomics, and epigenomics. The laboratory develops and applies cutting-edge single-cell, multi-omics, and cell-free DNA technologies to investigate how somatic mutations shape cellular behavior, clonal evolution, and human disease.

The successful candidate will contribute to both technology development and biological research projects. The role will involve performing, optimizing, and scaling experimental workflows for next-generation sequencing, single-cell genomics, and functional genomics. The candidate will work closely with experimental scientists, computational biologists, clinicians, and external collaborators to generate high-quality genomic datasets from cultured cells, model systems, and patient-derived samples.

This is a primarily wet-laboratory position, although opportunities will be available to participate in sequencing quality control, data interpretation, and the integration of experimental and computational results. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in molecular biology, excellent laboratory and organizational skills, and an interest in developing and implementing new genomic technologies.

The Landau Lab provides substantial scientific and technical training. This position is particularly well suited for an early-career scientist seeking to develop expertise in experimental genomics and single-cell technologies before pursuing graduate or professional training, although this is not a requirement.

The position will primarily be based at Weill Cornell Medicine, with regular interaction and collaboration with teams at the New York Genome Center.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology workflows associated with DNA and RNA sequencing, including nucleic acid extraction, sample quality control, amplification, library preparation, purification, quantification, and sequencing submission;
• Process cultured cells, primary specimens, tissues, and cell or nuclei suspensions for genomic and functional assays;
• Perform single-cell and multi-omic workflows, including single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell ATAC sequencing, combined DNA and RNA profiling, targeted genotyping, and single-cell whole-genome sequencing;
• Contribute to the development, optimization, miniaturization, and scaling of novel experimental methods for single-cell genomics, epigenomics, and cell-free DNA analysis;
• Assist with the implementation of high-throughput and automated laboratory workflows, including liquid-handling and plate-based processes;
• Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers to plan studies, coordinate sample processing, and ensure that generated data address the relevant biological questions;
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and timely records in electronic laboratory notebooks, sample-tracking systems, and project databases;
• Communicate experimental progress, results, and technical issues clearly during project meetings;
• Maintain laboratory organization, reagent inventories, equipment, and appropriate safety practices;
• Support multiple concurrent research and technology-development projects; and
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline;
• Prior hands-on experience in an academic, biotechnology, or clinical molecular biology laboratory;
• Experience with fundamental molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA handling, PCR, nucleic acid purification, quantification, and gel or fragment analysis;
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, including the ability to manage multiple samples and experiments simultaneously;
• Ability to follow established protocols while also identifying opportunities for troubleshooting and improvement;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated reliability, initiative, curiosity, and eagerness to learn new technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation;
• Experience with single-cell genomics, spatial genomics, or other high-throughput molecular assays;
• Experience processing tissues, primary cells, cell suspensions, or isolated nuclei;
• Experience with cell culture, flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, microscopy, or tissue dissociation;
• Familiarity with whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, chromatin accessibility assays, targeted sequencing, or cell-free DNA workflows;
• Experience with assay optimization, protocol development, or systematic troubleshooting;
• Experience using liquid-handling automation, acoustic dispensing, or other high-throughput laboratory instrumentation;
• Basic familiarity with sequencing quality-control metrics or analysis environments such as R, Python, or the command line;
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline.

Candidates are not expected to have experience with every technology listed above. The laboratory will provide training in specialized methods based on the candidate's background and project responsibilities.

Competencies

Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates the skills and knowledge relevant to the role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical expertise; performs experiments carefully and reproducibly; works with integrity; prioritizes effectively; and delivers on commitments.

Collaborative and Communicative: Works effectively with colleagues across experimental, computational, and clinical disciplines; communicates clearly; listens carefully; contributes constructively to team discussions; and values diverse perspectives and areas of expertise.

Adaptable and Innovative: Embraces new technologies and changing research priorities; approaches technical challenges systematically; identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and experimental quality; takes initiative; and engages in scientific work with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $46,118.80 - $58,895.20. The base salary offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education, and the final appointment level.

About the Landau Lab

The Landau Lab develops and applies innovative genomic technologies to study the fundamental principles of somatic evolution in cancer, aging, and human disease. Our research integrates molecular biology, functional genomics, single-cell analysis, computational genetics, and clinical investigation.

The laboratory has pioneered approaches for single-cell multi-omic profiling, lineage tracing, analysis of clonal evolution, and cell-free DNA characterization. Our work spans the development of new experimental technologies and their application to biological and translational questions using patient-derived specimens, model systems, and large-scale genomic datasets.

Dr. Dan Landau maintains a joint laboratory between Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York Genome Center, providing a highly collaborative environment at the interface of technology development, computational biology, and translational genomics.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to fostering a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive. We believe that bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Valuing and supporting each employee in reaching their full potential strengthens our organization and enhances our collective success. We recognize that creating an environment where all employees feel valued and included requires sustained effort and dedication 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 protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.