The Genomics Information Systems Laboratory of Prof. Dimitris Anastassiou (https://engineering.columbia.edu/faculty/dimitris-anastassiou) in the Department of Electrical Engineering has openings for one or more Senior Staff Associate (SSA) Officers of Research in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. The lab is also affiliated with Columbia University’s Department of Systems Biology.

Candidates should have a degree in Computer Science or a related field, as well as experience and a publication record in Computational Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. The research in which they will assist will involve algorithm development and computational analysis of biomolecular information, using both traditional and newly developed methods, to discover and elucidate important biological mechanisms building and expanding on existing results. It will also involve collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and experimental research labs to validate computational results.

One current research focus is on analyzing the increasingly available single-cell and spatial data from cancer biopsies investigating the cellular composition and evolution of cellular populations including cancer cells as well as fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, shedding light on cancer invasiveness-associated mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Specific responsibilities and duties are listed below for each title and grade (SSAI, SSAII, and SSAIII):

1. Functional Knowledge - For SSAI: Has level of expertise about the research subject across multiple functions; considered specialist for multiple functions. For SSAII: Has mastery of the subject matter. For SSAIII: Expert level knowledge and skills in specific field related to research project; performs ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research.

2. Problem Solving - For SSAI & SSAII: Solves a broad range of complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information and education and/or equivalent experience. For SSAIII: Develops innovative solution(s) to complex research problems; contributes original ideas of significance which may alter the course of the investigation.

3. Decision Making/Autonomy - For SSAI & SSAII: Works independently to design, execute and interpret experiments working in a collaborative research environment. For SSAIII: Has authority to implement new techniques that have a major impact on implementation and/or outcomes of research projects.

4. Technical Expertise - For SSAI & SSAII: Comprehensive understanding of research techniques, tools, software and instruments used in project. May develop protocols, design instruments, develop applications or software in support of the project. For SSAIII: Designs research approaches for the entire project, including background research, experimental design and execution.

5. Communication - For SSAI & SSAII: Explains complex information; collaborates with others to build consensus. May present at conferences and seminars. Participates in development of funding proposals, manuscripts and other research-oriented documentation. For SSAIII: Initiates new research proposals; prepares funding and grant submissions.

The minimum qualifications for each title and grade are as follows:

1. Senior Staff Associate I: Bachelor's degree in specific research field and 6 -10 years experience; Master's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

2. Senior Staff Associate II: Bachelor's degree in specific research field and 10 years experience; Master's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

3. Senior Staff Associate III: Bachelor's degree in specific research field and 15 years experience; Master's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Candidates with a master?s and/or PhD in Computer Science, or a related field, are preferred. Candidates should have a publication record in Computational Systems Biology and Informatics. 

The school is especially interested in qualified candidates who will contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Applications should be submitted electronically to apply.interfolio.com/161166 and include the following: an academic curriculum vitae and a brief cover letter addressed to Prof. Dimitris Anastassiou. Applications received by January 24, 2025 will receive full consideration, and the position will remain open until filled. 

Hiring Range: Senior Staff Associate I: $73,892-132,999; Senior Staff Associate II: $75,381-141,833; Senior Staff Associate III: $77,219-154,665

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

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