Postdoctoral Research Associate, CGND

CGND seeks an independent and team-oriented Postdoctoral Research Associate to expand our efforts applying spatially resolved techniques to understand neurodegenerative disease. Currently, our group is engaged in a groundbreaking collaboration where we are using Spatial Transcriptomics, combined with advanced computational methods, to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of disease in ALS. The successful candidate will broaden these efforts beyond transcriptomics and develop workflows that allow for data integration across modalities and lead to manuscript preparation and submission.

The nature of the position ensures that the Postdoctoral Research Associate will work closely with leaders in neurobiology, molecular biology, and computational biology.

Responsibilities may include:

• Develop new workflows and protocols in the lab for collecting spatially and integrating resolved data in all modalities of the central dogma using current state-of-the-art technologies;
• Develop new methods for collection of spatialy resolved, multi-modal data;
• Develop tools for image analysis
• Coordinate efforts across multiple organizations;
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present at scientific conferences;
• Assist in peer- and student-mentorship; and,
• Share expertise and provide training and guidance to group members as needed.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be expected to meet regularly with Dr. Phatnani at NYGC and Columbia Medical Center. This individual will also interact regularly with faculty at two institutions. The fellow will participate in regular group meetings at both CUMC and CGND, and will participate in meetings of NYC-wide neurodegenerative disease working groups.

• A minimum of a Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, neurobiology or related discipline required;
• In-depth understanding of nucleic acid and protein biochemistry required;
• Prior experience with tissue handling, experimental biochemistry and molecular biology, imaging, and computational analysis are preferred, but exceptionally creative and driven scientists with an interest will be seriously considered;
• Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, and presentation skills required;
• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time required; and,
• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills required.

• Technical and Professional
  
  Skills:
  
  Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.
• Collaborative & Communicative:
  Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
• Adaptable & Innovative:
  Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

The pay for this position is $88,000 per year; this includes a $70,000 base pay and a $1,500 per month taxable postdoctoral housing allowance ($18,000 per year), a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, and generous time off.

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, non-profit organization that leverages the collaborative resources of leading academic medical centers, research universities, and commercial organizations. The Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease (CGND) is dedicated to the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s disease. CGND’s vision is to establish a center for applying state of the art genetics, genomics and bioinformatics to the study of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.