The Center for Infection and Immunity (CII) ? one of the world?s most advanced academic centers for research in infectious disease surveillance, diagnosis and discovery is seeking an Associate Research Scientist. This role will focus on researching microbial diseases, molecular biology, and immunology. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects that leverage Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Next Generation Serology utilizing phage display, peptide microarrays, and other serological platforms. In addition, S/he will be involved in basic biostatistical data analyses, phylogenetic and mutational analyses, and in-silico protein modeling. S/he will work directly on emerging viral infections, zoonosis and reverse zoonosis in humans, livestock and wild-life animals. Other projects include the development of molecular and serological assays, generation of animal models, and pathogen surveillance. S/he will interact with bioinformaticians and biostatisticians in analysis of large molecular and serologic data sets. S/he will also be responsible for training and supervising fellows, students and technicians in molecular biology, Next Generation Sequencing and serology. The candidate will perform other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

·         Directly contribute to Next Generation Serology, with a focus on detecting differential immune responses against viral and bacterial pathogens in Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and viral zoonosis/reverse zoonosis in humans, live stocks and other wild-life animals.

·         Develop and apply pan-viral and pan-bacterial phage display technology for the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

·         Conduct basic biostatistical and bioinformatical data (phylogenetic and mutational analyses, in-silico protein modeling) analyses to interpret and understand the evolutionary dynamics of infectious agents.

·         Develop and optimize molecular and serological assays for the detection and characterization of infectious agents.

·         Generate and utilize animal models for research purposes.

·         Collaborate with bioinformaticians and biostatisticians to analyze large molecular and serologic datasets.

·         Provide training and supervision to fellows, students, and technicians in molecular microbiology, Next Generation Sequencing, molecular virology, phage display, peptide microarrays, and data analysis techniques.

·         Perform other related duties as assigned.

Doctorate or terminal professional.

Requires a PhD in virology/microbiology/biotechnology or a related field with more than 5 years? experience in laboratory-based research in molecular biology and virology. Extensive experience with all aspects of Next Generation Serology and sequencing required, including data analysis. 

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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