The Synthetic Regeneration and Systems Physiology Laboratory within the Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics at Columbia University exists to uncover new scientific knowledge in biomedicine and to train bright talent in the art of science. We are motivated by one question: How do heterogenous cells synchronize their activity to restore damaged tissue? Our research thus aims to define the molecular and biophysical drivers of tissue healing at organ scale and to leverage this knowledge for better therapeutic strategies for patients.
The laboratory is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to lead our efforts in the development of 3D skin cell culture platforms and wound healing functional genomics. The selected Postdoctoral Research Scientist will be part of a transdisciplinary team and will be mentored in the world-renowned environment of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. This enriching postdoctoral training program offers a balance of structured learning and professional development which fosters an environment to advance individual career success.
We have developed a number of innovative, unpublished platforms to understand tissue regeneration at organ scale. The selected Postdoctoral Research Scientist will be a technical expert who will advance these technologies and will develop novel methods to investigate tissue healing in organoid and in vivo models. Working in close collaboration with the Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Columbia Genome Center, and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, the Postdoctoral Research Scientist's work will systemically identify genes that affect mammalian tissue regeneration through perturb-sequencing genome-wide knockout (CRISRPx) screens in skin organoid and in vivo models. The results of the research will be published in one or more scientific publications targeting high impact peer-reviewed journals.
Responsibilities will include:
Performing organoid cell cultures using primary tissue and induced pluripotent stem cells.
Generate and execute pooled CRISPR screening in organoid and in vivo systems.
Work with collaborators to utilize existing pipeline for deconvolution of CRISPR screening and RNA-seq data.
Perform experiments to validate top candidate genes using a range of molecular and cellular assays, including but not limited to RNA-seq, high-content imaging, and flow cytometry.
Proactively seek out new information in the literature and incorporate this into individual project(s) as well as the overall program.
Resolve research hurdles by communicating effectively with PI and team members.
Collaborate with functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific achievement.
Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting.
Demonstrate a high degree of responsibility in maintaining scientific standards, and safe laboratory practices for self and reporting staff.
Effectively write and communicate research materials.
Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific conferences aligned with business objectives.
PhD preferentially in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
Extensive experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
Record of scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities.
Demonstrated scientific writing skills evidenced by a rigorous publication record and strong verbal communication skills.
Capable of independently designing and executing experiments, interpreting data, and identifying appropriate follow-up strategies.
Excellent project management skills. Ability to multitask and work within timelines.
Global mindset to thrive in a diverse culture and environment.
Experience with mouse work and immune cells is preferred
Machine learning and computational genetic experience is appreciated
Please apply on-line and upload CV and three letters of recommendation (including one from the Thesis Advisor) required.
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.
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.
