Postdoctoral position in single-cell functional genomics, Norman LabEmpty heading

Overview

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it.

MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians who pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

The Norman Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our team. We’re a hybrid experimental–computational group in the Computational & Systems Biology program  long-term goal is to enable rational engineering of cell state: using large-scale functional genomics to build predictive models of how cells respond to perturbations, then applying those models to reprogram cells in disease contexts. Our primary model system is the fibroblast, a phenotypically plastic cell type with roles in cancer, fibrosis, and inflammatory disease.

• CRISPR screening at scale: We co-developed the Perturb-seq approach for conducting single-cell CRISPR screens. We have scaled this technology to target every gene in the genome and to map genetic interactions, and we continue to develop new screening approaches that expand what’s possible.
• Fibroblast plasticity and ECM in disease: Fibroblasts take on harmful states in cancer and fibrosis. We use genetic screens to find genes that control these transitions, understand how resulting extracellular matrix changes drive disease, and identify factors that reverse them.
• Computational “virtual cell” models: We train models from large-scale experiments to predict how cells respond to perturbations, a step toward rational engineering of cell phenotype.

You’ll lead projects applying state-of-the-art functional genomics or optical screening approaches to questions in cancer, fibrosis, or inflammatory disease. The lab has a strong track record in technology development, and postdocs here can help shape new methods, not just apply existing ones. We’re excited about domain experts in fibrosis, ECM biology, or inflammatory disease who want to bring deep biological knowledge and gain experience with cutting-edge technologies.

Our interdisciplinary environment offers opportunities to develop computational skills alongside experimental work, preparing you for independence in academia or industry.

• PhD in a relevant field (cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, systems biology, bioengineering, or similar)
• Experience working with primary fibroblasts, primary macrophages, organoids, or other complex cellular models
• We’re especially interested in candidates with either: (1) expertise in ECM biology, fibrosis, or mechanobiology, OR (2) a strong background in technology/methods development. Strong experimentalists from other systems are welcome if excited to work in either space.
• First-author publication(s) demonstrating independent research
• Interest in cancer, fibrosis, or inflammatory disease biology

• Primary or complex model cell culture experience
• Molecular cloning, lentiviral transduction, CRISPR methods
• Flow cytometry and single-cell genomics techniques
• Screening experience is a plus, particularly with high-content approaches like Perturb-seq or optical methods

MSK is one of the world’s leading cancer research centers, with over 120 laboratories spanning basic and translational science. The main campus sits in Manhattan’s Upper East Side research corridor alongside Rockefeller University and Weill Cornell Medical College, with whom MSK shares training programs, core facilities, and a formal collaboration network. Proximity to MSK’s clinical operations and neighboring hospitals provides access to patient-derived samples for translational work.

Beyond the science, New York offers an unmatched quality of life for those who thrive in a vibrant urban environment.

Submit C.V., cover letter, and references to:

Dr. Thomas Norman

normantm

Pay Range: 72,000 - 78,000

• Norman Lab website
• Learn about being a postdoc at MSK
• Housing options for postdocs offered by MSK
• Review our great benefits offerings

Closing
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At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for employment decision.