Career Center

The laboratory of Dr. Michael Shen in the Department of Medicine and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking an outstanding Staff Associate to assist scientific staff and work closely with Dr. Andrew Lenis, a surgeon-scientist in the Department of Urology. Dr. Shen's research team investigates fundamental mechanisms of mammalian development and cancer using in vivo analyses of genetically engineered mice as well as complementary in vitro analyses of mouse and human organoid models. Current efforts focus on understanding molecular mechanisms of cell type differentiation in the normal as well as transformed prostate epithelium, the epigenetic regulation of lineage plasticity in both bladder and prostate cancer, and the role of the tumor microenvironment in modulating treatment response.

Reporting to the PI, the candidate will be an active member of the research team helping or driving independent research activities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform laboratory experiments in the area of bladder cancer with minimal supervision.
• Perform cell culture experiments using three-dimensional cultures of mouse and human bladder organoids.
• Process patient-derived tissue for cell culture, xenograft, and organoid establishment
• Basic molecular biology assays including CRISPR editing, Western blotting, and qPCR.
• Perform mouse colony maintenance and procedures with mice such as injections and surgeries, experiments with animal tissues, sample collection, and maintenance of records.
• Adapt to the needs of the project and work within guidelines to carry out assigned duties.
• Maintain thorough and complete records of experiments, data, and results.
• Perform graphical and statistical analysis of data and provide input on interpretation.
• Compile results, process and present data, trouble-shoot experiments, and critically interpret findings.
• Maintenance of equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related science
• Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols
• Ability to work with patient derived samples and animals
• Extensive experience with cell culture and analysis
• Ability to perform animal experiments and surgeries
• Knowledge of computer analysis techniques
• Ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data

Other Requirements:

• Self-motivated and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Should have outstanding organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and be able to work independently as well as within a team.
• Proactive, attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, Prism, FlowJo and statistical software.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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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