Associate Scientist I, Technology Development

New York Genome Center, Inc.; City of Niagara Falls (NY); On-site; USD 57,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision for employees &/

Dependent(s)

401(k) match

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

paid winter break

Job summary

The New York Genome Center is seeking an Associate Scientist I for its Technology Development Lab to develop and deploy state-of-the-art genomics techniques. The role emphasizes single-cell and spatial assays and collaboration across internal and external groups.

Required: a Bachelor's in Molecular Biology and at least 2 years in a molecular biology lab with NGS library prep experience. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 2 years of molecular biology lab experience with at least 1+ years of demonstrated experience with next-generation sequencing library prep protocols and sequencing preferred.
• Experience handling RNA and DNA, including extraction, quantification, visualization, modification, hybridization, and PCR is strongly preferred.
• Solid knowledge of molecular biology equipment and related protocols (including RNA and DNA preparation, RNA and DNA quantification, hybridization, PCR, and bead-based solutions).
• Experience with single-cell suspensions and/or tissue samples, such as cell sorting, nuclei isolation, tissue sectioning, staining, or imaging is a plus.
• Experience with single cell-based assays or spatial biology platforms is a plus.
• Excellent laboratory and organizational skills; able to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Carry out procedures for DNA and RNA sequencing, including QC, library prep and quantification.
• Assist in assays on tissue or cell suspensions using single-cell and spatial methods (snRNA-Seq, Visium, Xenium, etc.).
• Contribute to evaluating and troubleshooting new methods with supervision.
• Maintain up-to-date standard operating procedures and edit as needed.
• Collaborate with Technology Development and Production Lab teams for knowledge transfer.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records in databases and ELN.
• Assist with routine maintenance and safety procedures.

Skills

Molecular biology

Single-cell

Spatial biology

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology

Tools

RNA/DNA handling

NGS library prep

PCR & quantification

Job description

The Technology Development Lab at NYGC supports cutting-edge research through scientific collaboration, focusing on innovative single-cell and spatial genomic assay and tool development, optimization and application at scale. The Associate Scientist I will work with an expert team to develop and deploy state of the art genomics techniques. The ideal candidate will have a background in molecular biology and NGS-based platforms, with experience using single-cell and/or spatial technologies. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required, as this role will work on an interdisciplinary team and actively collaborate across multiple internal and external groups. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and shifting environment is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out procedures associated with DNA and RNA sequencing, including sample QC, library preparation and quantification;
• Assist in performing assays on tissue and/or cell/nuclei suspensions using single cell and spatial methods, including snRNA-Seq, snMultiome, ASAP-Seq, DLP+, Visium HD, Xenium, etc.;
• Contribute to the evaluation, development and troubleshooting of new and established methods by performing experiments and other tasks with guidance and supervision;
• Ensure up-to-date standard operating procedures and edit as needed;
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in the Technology Development and Production Lab teams, facilitating knowledge transfer and cross-functional coordination;
• Maintain detailed, reliable, and timely laboratory records - tracking all work and issues in the appropriate databases/tracking sheets and/or electronic lab notebook;
• Assist with regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and actively maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and safety procedures.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelors' degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related field required;
• 2 years of experience in a molecular biology lab with at least 1+ years of demonstrated experience with next-generation sequencing library prep protocols and sequencing preferred;
• Experience handling RNA and DNA, including extraction, quantification, visualization, modification, hybridization, and PCR is strongly preferred;
• Solid knowledge of molecular biology equipment and related protocols (including RNA and DNA preparation, RNA and DNA quantification, hybridization, PCR, and bead-based solutions) highly preferred;
• Experience with modern molecular biology tools including prior experience working with single-cell suspensions and/or tissue samples, such as cell sorting, nuclei isolation, tissue sectioning, staining, or imaging is a plus;
• Experience working with single cell-based assays or spatial biology platforms is a plus;
• Excellent laboratory and organizational skills including the ability to work independently and efficiently are essential;
• Ability to multitask is a must, along with an orientation toward teamwork and cooperation;
• Strong problem solving, excellent communication, and accurate bench skills required in addition to a passion for learning new things.

Competencies

• 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 and 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 and 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.

Salary & Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57,000-$67,000 per year; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

• Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s)
• Vacation, Holidays, Sick, and Other Leave, including a paid winter break
• a 401(k) match
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• employee Tuition Reimbursement
• an Employee Assistance Program
• and much more

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the-art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with the leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to fostering a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive. We believe that bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Valuing and supporting each employee in reaching their full potential strengthens our organization and enhances our collective success. We recognize that creating an environment where all employees feel valued and included requires sustained effort and dedication from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NYGC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status - Exempt

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.