Research Assistant, Mengtong Li Lab
About The Position
Join the Mengtong Li lab as a Research Assistant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with Dr. Mengtong Li as the lab builds its research program. You will play an important role in supporting innovative research projects, developing new experimental capabilities, and helping establish the foundation for the lab's future growth. We welcome applications from candidates across a range of experience levels who are genuinely fascinated by the brain-body interactions. Individuals whose qualifications align more closely with the Research Technician or Senior Research Technician level may also be considered, with the final title determined based on experience and qualifications.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with 2 years of experience.
- Experience with mouse work or colony management.
- A commitment of at least two years in the role before pursuing the next opportunity in science or medicine.
- Enthusiasm for scientific discovery and a willingness to understand how things work.
- Ability to learn new experimental methods and adapt to evolving research priorities.
- Strong laboratory technique and attention to detail, with pride in the precision of the work and the integrity of the data.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting experimental challenges.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a small, growing research team.
- Dedication to MSK's mission, vision, and values.
Nice To Haves
- Research experience in neuroscience, immunology or cancer biology is highly valued.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator and postdoctoral fellow to conceptualize, design, and refine experiments investigating the brain-body interactions.
- Learn and implement new techniques as projects evolve.
- Undergo specialized training to perform and eventually lead complex biological procedures, including stereotaxic manipulations, mouse survival surgeries, and the use of viral systems for chemogenetics and optogenetics.
- Lead the "bench-side" validation of our experiments, including brain and tissue harvesting, precision tissue slicing (vibratome/cryostat), and immunostaining (IHC/IF).
- Perform routine molecular and cellular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, cell culture, and related laboratory procedures.
- Assist with mouse colony management, including breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance.
- Collect, organize, and maintain accurate experimental data and laboratory records.
- Assist with laboratory organization, reagent preparation, inventory management, and general lab operations.
- Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
Benefits
- Fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
