Research Assistant, Integrated Genomics Operation

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

Exciting opportunity at MSK: Join our Integrated Genomics Operation (IGO) as a Research Assistant! The Integrated Genomics Operation (IGO) enables basic, clinical and translational research projects across the Cancer Center. Ultimately, the focus of our work is to help establish the basis of cancer pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment at MSKCC. At the IGO, we implement the MSK mission to cure cancer by providing a broad range of genomic services and expertise to our world-class research scientists. We are a high throughput core facility producing >100TB of data per year across >40 applications including “fourth generation” genomics technologies such as single cell and spatial transcriptomics.

You will master a variety of genomics assays utilizing either robotics or traditional benchwork; and will interface with other teams within the IGO. As a full-service genomics lab, we provide high level expertise to the scientists and physicians at our institution.

Role Overview:

• Extract nucleic acids from a variety of biomaterial (fresh frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue, cell line, blood, plasma, serum, saliva, nails, etc).
• Perform quality assurance and quality control of extracted material.
• Train on cutting edge spatial transcriptomic methods from 10x genomics platforms.
• Learn the theory, design and execution of droplet digital PCR experiments, traditionally used to validate oncogenic alterations with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy.
• Work with your team to create workflow following LEAN principles.
• Communicate with vendor technical support and sales representatives.
• Operate liquid handlers and robotic instrument for high throughput processing.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records in a Laboratory Information Management System (Examplar Sapio LIMS).
• Use iLAB for billing purposes.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field with at least 4 years of experience or Master’s degree with 1-2 years of experience. 
• Previous exposure to purifying nucleic acids for NGS platform, knowledge of digital PCR and experience with cells and FFPE samples is highly valued.

Core Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment, managing multiple projects while maintaining precision. Enthusiastic about learning opportunities in the lab.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot experimental challenges.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to interact across all levels in a confident, concise, and professional manner.
• Comfortable with manual or automated processing.
• Enthusiasm and dedication to MSK's vision, mission, and values.

Additional Information:

• Location: NYC
• Schedule: Onsite, Monday to Friday

Helpful Links:

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Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

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