The Department of Neurology at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center and the Claire Tow Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease. We seek an outstanding investigator working to develop the next generation of genome editing techniques and RNA and DNA-based therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neurodegenerative diseases.  

This includes biomedical engineers, bioengineers, and molecular and cellular biologists that apply state-of-the-art genome and transcriptome engineering approaches, such as CRISPR-based prime and base editing, RNA-targeting CRISPR effectors and related technologies to neurological disease with the goal of developing innovative targeted therapeutics.

Position Description

The successful candidate will establish and lead an independent research program at the intersection of bioengineering, synthetic biology, and neurodegenerative disease therapeutics. Areas of interest include but are not limited to:  

• Engineering gene and cell therapies for ALS 
• CRISPR-based DNA and RNA editing and epigenome modulation for neuroprotection and disease modification
• RNA and protein engineering for precision-targeted interventions
• Development of programmable genetic circuits for neuroprotection 
• RNA- and protein-based therapeutic platforms 
• High-throughput screening of synthetic biology-based interventions 
• Advanced biomaterials and delivery systems for therapeutic application in the nervous system 

The successful candidate will collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team of neurologists, neuroscientists, geneticists, and bioengineers within Columbia University?s vibrant research community, including the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center, the Claire Tow Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, and the Department of Systems Biology.  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an independent, extramurally funded research program
• Collaborate with clinicians, neuroscientists, and geneticists within Columbia?s interdisciplinary research environment
• Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
• Contribute to teaching at the graduate and/or medical school levels
• Engage in service to the department, university, and broader scientific community

• Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Genetics, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field
• A strong record of research accomplishments, including publications in leading journals 
• Demonstrated potential (Assistant Professor) or proven track record (Associate Professor) for securing extramural funding 
• Experience or interest in mentoring trainees and contributing to an inclusive and diverse academic community
• Commitment to advancing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases  

• A cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (2?3 pages)
• Names and contact information for three references  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

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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