Associate Research Scientist

The Benjamin Izar laboratory at Columbia University, Division of Hematology & Oncology is seeking an experimental Associate Research scientist, with expertise in gene editing and cellular engineering for the treatment of cancer and classification of genetic variants. This is a fully funded position with support for up to 5 years with the possibility of additional career development opportunities.

The Izar lab has a track record in cancer immunotherapy research and technology development and is part of the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology. In this role you will:

• Use cutting-edge technologies for gene editing of human and murine immune cells
• Perform massively parallel screens
• Characterize both disease-causing variants and variants that enhance cell therapies
• Characterize signaling changes in engineered cells
• Develop the next wave of cutting-edge gene editing technologies for cell engineering and characterization
• The ARS will also work closely with the Columbia University Irving Medical Center cell manufacturing facility to prepare translation of cell products for clinical application.

Characteristic Duties, Skills and Expectations:

• Serve as a leader of the research team, reporting directly to PI, provide mentorship to junior members of our lab, including MD/PhD students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Proficiency in molecular biology and immunology methods, including molecular engineering, cloning, viral transduction, CRISPR-based engineering, flow-cytometry, T cell culture, co-culture experiment, and functional T cell assays (cytokines, proliferation, etc.).
• Proficiency with in vivo experiments (tumor engraftment, monitoring, drug administration, mouse dissection, cell isolation etc.).
• Experience in T cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell design, engineering, and production preferred, but not required.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, contribute or lead the writing of grant applications and manuscripts under the direct supervision of PI.

• Ph.D. and/or MD with prior research experience in gene editing and/or cell therapy.
• Three or more years of prior wet-lab experience in rigorous academic or industry lab.
• Ability to operate in a multi-disciplinary team as leader and team member.
• Meticulous record keeping and data management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (English), both in the form of written reports and figure making.

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.