Associate Scientist I

The Functional Perturbation Lab at NYGC supports cutting-edge research through scientific collaboration, focusing on large-scale multimodal single-cell perturbation experiments. The Associate Scientist I will support experiments spanning mammalian cell culture, CRISPR-based perturbation, single-cell sample preparation, library generation, and experimental quality control.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, with experience in single-cell genomics or CRISPR technology preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required, as this role will actively collaborate across multiple groups to plan experiments, develop technologies, and produce high-quality data. The ability to adapt to changing scientific priorities while maintaining experimental rigor and organization is essential.

This position offers an early-career scientist the opportunity to develop broad expertise across molecular biology, cell biology, functional genomics, and single-cell technologies while taking on increasing experimental responsibility. The role is well suited to an ambitious individual seeking rigorous research experience and mentorship in preparation for advanced scientific training or a long-term career in biotechnology or genomics.

This position will report to the Functional Perturbation Lab lead investigator.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform commercial and custom single-cell assays, including cell preparation, sample quality control, library preparation, and sequencing library quality control.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform cell counting, viability assessment, transfection or transduction, selection, and preparation of samples for downstream assays.
• Support CRISPR-based perturbation workflows, including construct preparation, lentiviral production, transduction optimization, selection, and evaluation of perturbation efficiency.
• Perform molecular biology workflows, including construct assembly, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation and verification, lentiviral packaging, DNA and RNA purification, PCR amplification, sequencing library preparation, and antibody conjugation.
• Contribute to the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of new and established methods by planning and executing controlled experiments, interpreting quality-control results, identifying potential sources of failure, and recommending next steps.
• Take increasing ownership of experimental workflows, from planning and reagent preparation through execution, quality control, documentation, and communication of results.
• Coordinate samples, reagents, timelines, and experimental metadata across concurrent collaborative projects.
• Maintain up-to-date standard operating procedures and revise them as needed.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues throughout NYGC.
• Maintain detailed, reliable, and timely laboratory records
• Assist with routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and actively contribute to laboratory cleanliness, organization, and compliance with safety procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field required.
• At least two years of hands-on experience in a molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, or related research laboratory required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in at least one relevant experimental area, such as mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, or single-cell genomics, required.
• Working knowledge of core molecular biology methods, including DNA and RNA purification, nucleic acid quantification, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, required.
• Experience with CRISPR perturbation, lentiviral production or transduction, single-cell sample preparation, flow cytometry, or next-generation sequencing library preparation preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to learn unfamiliar techniques, troubleshoot experiments systematically, and progress toward independent execution required.
• Excellent experimental judgment and attention to detail, including the ability to recognize unexpected results, potential technical problems, and gaps in experimental…