Associate Research Scientist

Columbia Univeristy
- Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics

$80,000 - $95,000

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

The research project will be undertaken in the IICD, in collaboration with the Tumorigenesis and Molecular Cancer Prevention group led by Dr Karol Nowicki-Osuch at the German Cancer Research Center (DFKZ) in Heidelberg. The projects focus on a detailed single-cell multiome sequencing-based assessment of the initial steps in gastric and esophageal cancer development. We are using new animal models and primary human samples and are generating single-cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, DNA‑seq, and spatial transcriptomics data.

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• detailed knowledge of single cell data analysis approaches including raw data processing, quality control, batch and modality integration, and visualization
• clear understanding of molecular processes defining healthy gastro‑esophageal homeostasis and how their perturbations lead to precancerous lesion development
• ability to amalgamate diverse data modalities to draw conclusions from complex experimental setting

Part of the work will require the development of novel analysis methods focusing on minute shifts in cellular states observed during cancer initiation. As this is a collaborative study, you will further be responsible for sharing the data with other members of the consortium and external partners. The successful applicant will present this work at professional meetings and through peer‑reviewed publications.

• A PhD in Biological Sciences or a closely related field
• A strong background in molecular biology and the quantitative analysis of single‑cell RNAseq experiments and related technologies
• Experience in statistical analysis using R
• Knowledge of cancer biology

The Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (IICD) at Columbia University focuses on quantitative and technological aspects of cancer research, and has extensive collaborations with experimental labs at Columbia and further afield. Over 100 researchers are affiliated with the IICD, which has an extensive outreach program, seminar series and many opportunities for developing new collaborations. The IICD’s website is umbia.edu,

where further details may be found.