Associate Scientist I, Functional Perturbation Lab

New York Genome Center•New York, NY

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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 controls.
Excellent laboratory and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently, carefully, and efficiently.
Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple experimental workflows, anticipate upcoming needs, and communicate promptly when timelines or results change.
Strong initiative, problem-solving ability, communication skills, accurate bench technique, and commitment to continued scientific development.
An orientation toward teamwork, cooperation, and shared scientific goals.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CRISPR perturbation, lentiviral production or transduction, single-cell sample preparation, flow cytometry, or next-generation sequencing library preparation preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

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.