Career Center

The Laboratory of Dr. Chaolin Zhang in the Department of Systems Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) has multiple openings for Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Experimental RNA Biology to conduct NIH-funded research on mammalian RNA regulatory networks.  The Zhang lab is searching for candidates in the field of experimental RNA biology. 

Taking a multidisciplinary approach that tightly integrates biochemistry, molecular biology, genome engineering and high-throughput data analysis and integrative modeling, the Zhang Laboratory studies how RNA and proteins interact to form regulatory networks in the nervous system at the mechanistic and systems levels, how these networks contribute to intrinsic neuronal functional properties, and how such properties are implicated in health and disease. We are working to translate fundamental discoveries to RNA-based precision medicine for devastating disorders with unmet medical needs. The Zhang lab consists of a group of inspired and creative scientists from diverse background. Recent lab members have successfully transitioned into prominent academic and pharmaceutical industry positions.  More information about the Zhang laboratory can be found at http://zhanglab.c2b2.columbia.edu. 

The postdocs will lead exciting projects that aim to understand fundamental mechanisms of RNA-protein interactions and alternative RNA splicing regulation in normal and disease contexts, as well as evolutionary changes of RNA regulation with functional implications. The postdocs will use CRISPR genome editing to engineer pluripotent stem cell (ESC/iPSC) lines, and differentiate these cells to neurons. CLIP and RNA-seq will be performed on ESC/iPSC derived neurons to characterize protein-RNA interactions and alternative splicing on a genome-wide scale and compare RNA regulation in different species. The postdocs will also have the opportunity to develop new technologies to detect RNA-regulatory elements that push the boundaries of the current state of the art, with powerful applications in human genetic studies and precision medicine. The postdocs will work in a dynamic environment and also work closely with computational biologists. Strong mentorship will be provided to help them achieve their career goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Molecular Neuroscience, or related field.

- Strong background in experimental RNA biology. 

- Highly motivated and ability to work independently as well as to collaborate in a group setting.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

-  At least one first-author paper published in related peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience of performing high-throughput genomic assays such as CLIP is a plus.

- Extensive experience in mammalian cell culture.  Experience working with stem cells and neuronal differentiation and characterization is a plus.

- Experience in genomic technology development is a plus.

- Basic bioinformatics, programming and quantitative analysis skills is not required but a plus.

Applicants should send a curriculum vitae and names and contact information of three references by email to:

Dr. Chaolin Zhang at cz2294@columbia.edu

website: zhanglab.c2b2.columbia.edu

***

Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000

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.

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.

Connections working at Columbia University