Research Assistant

Research Assistant

The Phatnani Lab within the Neurology Department at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Genome Center is seeking to recruit hard-working, ambitious, and energetic Research Assistant to join the team. Research in the Phatnani Lab primarily focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. The Lab examines the relationship between mutations, gene expression, and disease mechanisms using whole-genome sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, single-nucleus (sn)-resolved epigenomics, snRNA-seq, and multiplex protein imaging. The Research Assistant will assist the Associate Research Scientist and other research staff with next-generation sequencing techniques and imaging on postmortem human tissue, as well as general lab management tasks.

Responsibilities

• Sectioning, in situ hybridization, and antibody staining of tissues for gene expression analysis RNA extraction and purification
• Cortical and spinal cord dissections
• Assist in RNAseq library preparation, high and low input.
• Proficient in Visium workflows
• Maintain the established Visium and RNAseq workflow without supervision
• Assist with maintaining the imaging data and the inventory of samples
• Effective and proactive at analyzing and presenting Visium/RNAseq run results and independently determining the next steps.
• Implements complex protocols (e.g., the Visium IF).
• Executes experiments, makes progress, and troubleshoots across multiple experiments simultaneously.
• Implement and track specimens.
• Responsible for managing and training all incoming technical staff.
• Assist the scientific program manager with all regulatory paperwork as related to grants, including, but not limited to: Data Use Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and service contracts.
• Presents results during group meetings.
• Presents at NIH Project Scientist Meeting
• Attends conferences and assists with manuscript writing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Administrative:

• Responsible for pCard and CU marketplace purchasing of consumables and reagents
• Reconciling pCard invoices
• Managing the ordering platform Quartzy, to ensure the shipments are received properly
• Maintaining and updating all necessary lab protocols and training for the lab

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree and at least 1.5 years of related experience or equivalent in education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comfort level with dissections preferred.
• Knowledge of various related laboratory procedures and techniques preferred.
• 3+ years of related experience preferred.
• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Molecular Biology (or related field).
• Previous experience with spatial transcriptomics techniques is a plus
• Image analysis
• Extensive NGS experience and knowledge required: preparation of RNAseq libraries with high and low input, troubleshooting, and analyzing QC pre- and post-sequencing.
• Significant understanding of neurobiology and neurodegenerative disease a plus.

Other Qualifications

• Self-driven, accountable, and capable of performing experiments without direct supervision.
• The ability to clearly communicate data and findings in weekly meetings and presentations is necessary.
• Significant understanding of neurobiology and neurodegenerative disease.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain detailed written records of research.
• Independence and a high degree of flexibility will be beneficial in a novel and rapidly changing research environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.