Associate Research Scientist

The Department of Radiation Oncology and Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, NY has an opening for associate research scientist in the laboratory of physician-scientist, Dr. Catherine Spina to start immediately.  The position requires interest and expertise in immunology and/or immuno-oncology. Specifically, we are seeking candidates experienced in experimental immunology, pre-clinical murine tumor models, and single-cell analytic approaches including flow cytometry, quantitative immunofluorescence, and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNASeq).

Our laboratory stands at the interface of academia and industry including highly collaborative projects with leading academic oncologists, translational, and basic scientists, as well as industry partners. The role offers the opportunity to gain experience in both environments to prepare the successful candidate for a role in either academia or industry.  We are seeking a candidate to drive mechanistic study in a multidisciplinary fashion through intersection of oncology, tumor immunology, genomics, radiation biology, systems biology. The successful candidate will be integral to investigator-initiated and early phase clinical trials for clinical translation and interface with senior faculty in the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Systems Biology, and Departments of Medicine and Radiation Oncology.

The Spina laboratory is focused on understanding the immunologic implications of tumor irradiation, including innate and adaptive resistance mechanism, and elucidating mechanisms driving these changes. Our aim is to translate our mechanic insight into novel therapies for combination with radiation to improve patient outcomes. The results of this research will be communicated by published outcomes in high-impact journals by our group, new investigator-initiated clinical trials, and offer collaborative opportunities with academic and industry partners. 

We are seeking candidates with at least 4 years’ experience in molecular biology, immunology, genomic analysis, flow cytometry, cell culture work, mouse handling and preclinical tumor models, as well as in interest in mentoring students and more junior scientists. Systems biology / bioinformatics skills are not required but are a bonus and can be further developed in our laboratory.  Self-motivated and creative individuals with a track record in the field of immunology/tumor immunology and/or oncology, with relevant publications and an interest in translational opportunities should apply. Successful candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills, have experience training junior members of a laboratory.