Research Assistant - Neuroscience Initiative - CUNY Advanced Science Research Center

The City University of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

The City University of New York (Graduate Center) invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Neuroscience Initiative. The position conducts independent and collaborative experiments under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, employing molecular biology and biochemistry techniques to study neuronal adaptation and gene regulation.

Labs emphasize collaboration and state-of-the-art facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular and cellular biology.
• Experience working with rodents.
• Willingness to work independently and collaboratively.
• Flexibility to accommodate experimental needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research experiments under supervision of PI.
• Apply techniques in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and related disciplines.
• Perform cell culture, molecular cloning, protein and nucleic acid analyses, and other procedures.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, data and findings.

Skills

Molecular biology

Rodent handling

Schedule flexibility

Independent & collaborative work

Multidisciplinary research

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

General Duties

• May assist faculty research groups by configuring and testing equipment, collecting and organizing data, and preparing documentation.
• Performs direct research tasks under supervision.
• May develop or utilize computer-based systems to collect and analyze data.
• May assist in preparing reports of research findings.

Contract Title

Research Assistant

FLSA

Non-exempt

Campus Specific Information

The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) is the focal point for advanced teaching and research at CUNY, the nation's largest urban public university. With over 35 doctoral and master's programs of the highest caliber, the Graduate Center fosters pioneering research and scholarship in the arts and sciences and prepares students for careers in universities and the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. The Graduate Center's commitment to research and scholarship for the public good is exemplified by its more than 30 centers, institutes, and initiatives, including its Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), a 200,000 square-foot facility in upper Manhattan, designed to promote collaboration among scientists in five areas of global research and innovation: nanoscience, photonics, structural biology, neuroscience, and environmental sciences.
The Graduate Center (GC) benefits from highly ambitious and diverse students and alumni-who in turn teach hundreds of thousands of undergraduates every year. Through its public programs, the Graduate Center enhances New York City's intellectual and cultural life.
A Research Assistant position is available in the laboratory of Dr. J. Wren Kim at the Neuroscience Initiative of the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC).
Our laboratory seeks to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal adaptation to changing environments and how these processes contribute to brain function and dysfunction. Using innovative high-throughput approaches, we investigate how neurons regulate gene expression to maintain homeostatic control of neuronal network activity.
The laboratory is embedded within the vibrant and multidisciplinary research environment of the ASRC Neuroscience Initiative, where multiple research groups share laboratory space, resources, and expertise. We strongly value collaboration, the open exchange of ideas, and interdisciplinary approaches to scientific discovery. The ASRC provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced instrumentation, and dedicated scientific support staff, creating an exceptional environment for training and research.

This position requires the incumbent to work in the lab Monday-Friday.

Research (75%)

• Conduct independent and collaborative research experiments under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Apply techniques in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and related disciplines.
• Perform cell culture, molecular cloning, protein and nucleic acid analyses, and other experimental procedures as required.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, data, and findings.

Laboratory Support (25%)

• Assist the PI with managing laboratory inventory, including ordering and tracking reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and repairs of lab equipment as needed.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new laboratory members on standard procedures.
• Maintain laboratory organization and ensure compliance with institutional safety regulations.
• Adhere to standards for safety and hygiene and ethical conduct as defined by the University and relevant outside parties.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience relevant to the research being performed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular and cellular biology is essential.
• Experience working with rodents.
• Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate experimental needs.
• Willingnessto work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Interest in contributing to a dynamic and multidisciplinary research program.

Compensation

$50,611 – $59,427/year. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

Closing Date

Open until filled with review of applications to being on October 19, 2026

Job Search Category

CUNY Job Posting: Support Staff

Equal Employment Opportunity

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID: 32878

Location: Graduate Center

Job Type: Full-Time