Senior Research Scientist - Functional Perturbation & Technology Development

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) seeks a Senior Research Scientist to establish, scale, and lead high-throughput functional perturbation platforms that enable large-scale interrogation of gene regulatory and signaling mechanisms. This role will focus on the development, optimization, and application of CRISPR-based perturbation assays integrated with single-cell and multimodal genomic readouts, in close collaboration with NYGC faculty and affiliated investigators. The successful candidate will work within NYGC's technology development and collaborative research ecosystem to translate innovative perturbation approaches into robust, scalable platforms that support discovery-driven and disease-focused research programs. This position requires deep experimental expertise, strong scientific independence, and the ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams spanning experimental and computational genomics. This role will report to Scientific Director and CEO at NYGC and will include supervision and mentoring of junior research staff.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Lead the development and implementation of high-throughput functional perturbation platforms, including pooled and targeted CRISPR-based screens coupled to single-cell or multimodal readouts.
• Design, optimize, and scale perturbation-based assays to ensure robustness, reproducibility, and applicability across diverse biological systems and collaborative projects.
• Collaborate closely with NYGC faculty, affiliated members, and internal teams in Technology Development, Production, and Computational Biology to integrate perturbation assays into Center-wide research initiatives including the Genomic AI and Clinical Genomics.
• Independently plan, design, and execute complex experiments supporting collaborative projects, internally driven technology development, and grant-funded research.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate results through high-quality publications, internal presentations, and scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the development of novel experimental strategies for large-scale sample preparation, library construction, and data generation for perturbation-based genomics.
• Maintain deep familiarity with the scientific literature and emerging technologies in functional genomics, perturbation biology, and single-cell methods.
• Supervise, mentor, and train junior research staff, providing scientific guidance, technical oversight, and career development support.
• Contribute to grant writing and collaborative funding applications, particularly those involving functional genomics and technology development.
• Actively participate in lab and Center-wide meetings, fostering knowledge exchange and cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements & Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, genomics, cell biology, or a related discipline, with significant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in CRISPR-based perturbation approaches and single-cell or multimodal genomic assays.
• Proven ability to develop, optimize, and scale experimental platforms, rather than solely applying established methods.
• Strong background in modern molecular biology techniques and cell-based assays.
• Experience working in highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively leading and mentoring junior staff.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to experimental rigor and detail.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Computational experience in single-cell or functional genomics analysis is highly preferred.

Competencies

• Technical and Scientific Excellence: Demonstrates deep technical expertise and scientific judgment; maintains rigorous experimental standards; continuously expands technical and conceptual skillsets.
• Collaborative & Communicative: Works effectively across disciplines and organizational boundaries; communicates clearly; values diverse perspectives and team-based science.
• Adaptable & Innovative: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving research environment; embraces innovation; proactively identifies and implements improvements to experimental workflows.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Effectively mentors and supervises junior staff; promotes professional development; aligns team efforts with NYGC's scientific mission.

Salary & Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95,000 - $125,000 per year; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, NYGC offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off. This includes Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Holidays, Sick, and Other Leave, including a paid winter break; a 401(k) match; Life Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; employee Tuition Reimbursement; flexible schedules and telework options for some positions; an Employee Assistance Program; and much more.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with the leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to NYGC's core mission. We strive to create a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or religion. We believe that when people of various backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives work together in an inclusive and equitable environment we gain new and valuable perspectives that otherwise would have been missed. Valuing and supporting all NYGC employees as individuals while helping them realize their full potential is critical to promoting greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery - fostering a sense of belonging for our greatest strength, our people. We recognize that there is still work to be done that will require sustained commitment from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NYGC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status - Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.