Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Job Description: We are looking for a motivated student interested in learning techniques about metabolism physiology using the mice model.
The core has a variety of techniques able to access individual mouse metabolism phenotyping, such as food and water intake, energy expenditure, energy absorption, VO2 consumption, CO2 production,  body mass, body temperature, and activity, etc.
In addition, we can access mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism.

Contact: Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you are interested.  Lucas Kniess Debarba, PhD (he/him), Metabolic Phenotyping Core Manager, Phone: +313 3989789, [email protected]

Posted March 17, 2023

Job Description: The Brain Injury Research Center of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is accepting applications for Summer and Fall Research Volunteers. Interviews will begin at the beginning of February.  

Interested students should complete an application here: https://forms.gle/WGBf34iVJ1JtMWLx9

Contact: [email protected]

Posted January 23, 2023

The Clinical Research Coordinator in the BIRC-MS is responsible for the coordination and implementation of one or more research projects and assists in the daily activities of the clinical research center. A successful candidate has excellent interpersonal communication and writing skills, a professional demeanor, is organized, motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively, and is detail-oriented. Preference will be given to individuals who will be available for 2 years. Opportunities for promotion and job growth exist for those who are interested in developing a career in clinical research.
Individuals from diverse and under-represented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals who speak Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Research/Data Management
• Assist in the activities related to clinical research studies including but not limited to: answering phone calls, screening participants for eligibility, registering subjects with sponsoring agency, administering questionnaires or cognitive tests.
• Obtain informed consent and educate participants regarding study requirements
• Lead the data collection in clinical research studies this includes but is not limited to screening, clinical data collection, neuropsychological test administration, and other standardized testing
• Administer and score a range of neuropsychological, intellectual, and psychological assessment instruments
• Recruitment and relationship development with community organization
• Ensure participant retention throughout all studies
• Assist on new grants, protocols and human subjects approvals across multiple study sites; prepare and submit grant progress reports (quarterly, yearly)
• Prepare new protocol submissions, protocol amendments, and renewals of ongoing research studies
• Summarize data gathered in clinical research studies (e.g., run basic descriptive statistics on study data)
• Create study databases using simple systems (e.g., REDCap, Survey Monkey), assist in data capture, data extraction and simple analysis
• Develop, maintain and implement procedures for data entry, data cleaning, documentation and other related tasks; Identify and recommend solutions to data management issues o Maintain knowledge of the current regulations and technologies related to data management

REQUIREMENTS

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to interact patiently and tactfully with cognitively impaired patients and research subjects
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Experience working with human subjects regulatory offices, and with grants and contracts offices
• Prior experience with grant management, progress reporting, and oversight of federally funded grants
• Excellent database management skills
• Proficiency in Windows Suite programs (Excel, Word, Access, Publisher)
• Proficiency in Google Drive programs (Sheets, Pages, Slides, etc.)
• Excellent analytic, troubleshooting, organizational and time management skills
• Familiarity with Trello Software (web-based project management application) a plus
• Proficiency with REDCap, eRAP, Endnote a plus

Contact: Interested candidates should send to Amanda Watsula: [email protected]
1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. Writing Sample
4. Contact information for TWO individuals who are willing to serve as professional references

Posted April 4, 2024

The Stavropoulos laboratory at the Waksman Institute and Rutgers University is seeking a full-time research technician to perform research on the mechanisms that regulate sleep. Our studies use the fruit fly Drosophila to characterize genes and brain circuits underlying sleep-wake cycles.

The ideal candidate would be a highly motivated graduating senior with prior research experience who plans to pursue a career in biomedical research.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in science and prior laboratory experience are required. Emphasis in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or neuroscience is helpful.  Candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic about research, and able to work both collaboratively and independently. This opportunity provides an ideal training environment for those pursuing careers in scientific research and medicine.

Contact:  A two-year commitment is required. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, transcript, and a list of references to Dr. Nicholas Stavropoulos ([email protected]) or apply at the Rutgers portal (https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/220671).

Posted February 21, 2024

The Zuker Lab is interested in the mechanisms underlying signal processing and information transfer in sensory systems. They use the mammalian taste system and the gut-brain axis to understand how the brain modulates body physiology. Taste behaviors are exquisitely modulated by the internal state (e.g. hunger, satiety, emotion, and expectation), thus they provide a powerful model for the dissection of brain circuits integrating the senses with our physiological and emotional states. For more information about the Zuker lab and their research, please visit zukerlab.com.

Job Description:  As a Research Technician, you are an organized, responsible, teamwork-oriented individual who can work collaboratively with graduate students, postdocs, and other technicians in support of the lab’s research goals. You will be responsible for performing various behavioral and systems neuroscience techniques and experiments, and assisting with general laboratory maintenance. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent college graduate looking to stay within the lab at least 2-3 years before moving on to their next opportunity or graduate/medical school.

Principal Responsibilities Include: 

• Perform behavioral, genetic, and physiological experiments with various mouse strains; utilize antibodies, RNA probes and the techniques of molecular biology to label and isolate genes of interest. May assist in the creation and verification of genetically engineered mouse lines.
• Perform stereotaxic manipulations, mouse survival surgery, use various viral and nonviral systems to introduce genes into tissues and neurons, including experiments with chemogenetics and optogenetics.
• Perform Single-cell RNA seq experiments and Single-cell imaging experiments.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions. Review literature as needed to build essential knowledge of the lab's scientific area of focus.
• Alongside other lab members, provide support in laboratory upkeep.

 Requirements for the Position Include

• A bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or the biological sciences.

• Prior hands-on experience working in a research environment.
  • Prior experience with standard biological techniques (immunostaining, in-situ hybridization, PCR, and gel electrophoresis) preferred.
  • Prior experience handling and utilizing rodent models preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail. Ability to use good judgment in managing deadlines and responding to inquiries.

• Strong enthusiasm to learn new techniques and expand your scientific knowledge. 

Contact:  For more information, please contact [email protected]

Posted February 12, 2024

Job Description: 

The Yang Lab at the Columbia University Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics investigates cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms regulating tumor evolution and therapeutic resistance. The lab employs multidisciplinary approaches to study cancer evolution, including developing CRISPR-based molecular recording tools to track tumor evolution history, modeling tumor progression using genetically engineered mouse models, applying single-cell genomics tools to dissect tumor heterogeneity, and dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer evolution.

More information can be found on the lab’s website:  https://www.dianyanglab.com

Under the direct guidance of the principal investigator, you will be helping to develop and implement new CRISPR-based recording tools for mammalian system that will enable the team to tackle a wide range of biological questions. This position will involve working under the direct supervision of the principal investigator – including assisting with cloning, cell culture, CRISPR, and mouse work, so this would be an ideal opportunity for a hardworking, passionate, self-motivated professional who enjoys balancing multiple priorities and is looking for a 2-3 year career experience before beginning graduate school or medical school.

Responsibilities:

• Perform a variety of laboratory and investigative procedures including routine experimental techniques such as standard basic molecular biology techniques, cloning, mouse breeding and tissue harvest, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry and cell sorting, basic fluorescence microscopy, and standard biochemical assays.
• Work efficiently and cooperatively to assist Postdocs, Graduate Students, and other lab members.
• Operate lab equipment and prepare and order necessary supply stocks.
• Collect, verify, record, and compile experimental data.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area(s).
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to complete investigations.
• Prepare, order, and maintain stocks of necessary reagents, solutions, and supplies.
• General lab operations support to help maintain a safe, clean, and orderly lab environment.

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences is required.
• Previous hands-on research experience working in a laboratory is required.
• Understanding of basic molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.).
• Previous experience with tissue culture of mammalian cells and/or molecular cloning is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and self-motivated mentality with an eagerness to learn and grow.
• Proficient computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Contact: Please include a list of three (3) professional references with contact information as part of your application. Contact Dian Yang [email protected]. 

Posted February 1, 2024

Job Description: A full-time research technician is being sought to support multiple NIH-funded projects in the labs of Dr. Pearl Chiu and Dr. Brooks Casas at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia. Projects in the labs are highly interdisciplinary and combine methods from experimental and clinical psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics with functional neuroimaging and electrochemistry to investigate decision-making in healthy and clinical populations. The research technician will be responsible for in-vitro data collection to inform in-vivo models of human neurochemistry.

The labs are currently engaged in advanced quantitative methods to conduct leading-edge research on the role of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) in the human brain to understand human cognitive function and dysfunction. The technician may also be responsible for operating equipment in a clinical setting during study sessions with research participants. The successful candidate will be highly detail- oriented, organized, skilled with monitoring and adjusting priorities, problem solving, and ensuring careful records of interactions with participants in a hospital setting (such as in an operating room or recovery suite). They should also be able to work independently, manage time effectively, and be an effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills. Additional duties include maintaining precise stock solutions, assisting in purchasing and monitoring supply inventory, adhering to all established Federal, State and Institute procedural and chemical safety standards and requirements.

Required application materials: Cover letter, CV/Resume, and a list of references. Two letters of recommendation will be required prior to interview.

Job Qualifications: 

• Must have basic lab experience including dilutions, weighing chemicals, and understand proper chemical handling
• Must have pipette experience, preferably with micro-concentrations
• Must be able to sit or stand a lab bench for extended periods of time
• Must have a demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment, while exercising judgement and high degree of confidentiality
• Flexibility to work on weekends

Contact: Pre-submission inquiries with CV may be emailed to: Carey Caldwell ([email protected]), Lab Manager for Dr. Brooks Casas and Dr. Pearl Chiu

Posted January 24, 2024

Job Description: The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated and organized individual who possesses experience that can help with daily lab operations. The laboratory specializes in cancer biology with a focus on pancreatic cancer and leukemia and uses a variety of model systems to advance the work, including mouse models and in vitro cell culture systems.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist with management of the lab including ordering, maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies, preparing stock reagents, and maintaining budgets.
• Ensure compliance with animal and safety regulations.
• Maintain mouse lines (colony maintenance, genotyping, mating, and tissue dissections).
• Perform cell culture work using both cell lines and primary cells.
• Provide assistance to lab members in support of ongoing research projects.
• Supervise undergraduate research assistant.
• Will also have the opportunity to carry out an independent research project.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Contact: Gloria Lim Steil ([email protected])

Posted January 17, 2024

Job Description: A position for Associate Researcher is available at the  Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Reporting to Dr. Daniel Puleston and Dr. Zeeshan Akhtar, the successful candidate will join a collaborative team implementing pioneering approaches to study human disease across immunology, cancer and organ transplantation. You will be involved in all aspects of lab life, helping in the conduct of pre-clinical research studies using models of infection and tumor
development, and the maintenance of human organs ex vivo to study human pathology. The successful candidate will be exposed to a range of cutting-edge technologies, including state-of-the-art metabolomics and mass spectrometry and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Your role in assisting the perfusion of human organs for research, or prior to clinical transplantation, will require flexible working hours. This is an opportunity to join a welcoming and dynamic team doing unique translational research and we are looking for a passionate junior scientist to join
us.

Job Requirements: Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in the field of cell biology, immunology or
biochemistry or a related area.

Contact: Interested applicants should contact
[email protected] and/or [email protected]. More information can be found at https://careers.mountsinai.org/jobs/3009856?lang=en-us

Posted January 17, 2024

Marcus Autism Center, in conjunction with ChildrenʼsHealthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, is offering
two-year predoctoral research fellowships in six scientific subspecialties. Fellows will participate in innovative research to provide novel solutions to complex problems in a robust clinical environment. For more information, see this brochure. 

Posted December 19, 2023

Description

The teaching assistant will participate in the biology department course BIOL BC1502 Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology. Teaching assistants will be responsible for attending lectures and assisting undergraduate students navigate the course material through in-class discussions, weekly office hours, and occasional exam review sessions. In addition, teaching assistants will meet on Barnard’s campus to grade exams 3 times over the course of the semester.

This is a tutorial version of the teaching assistantship that entails grading and regular meetings with students during extended weekly office hours but no teaching of discussion sections.  Appointments entail five to ten hours of weekly effort attending lectures, holding office hours, reviewing course materials and grading.  Assistantships are not hourly wage appointments.  Expected effort is approximate and averaged across the semester.  Appointments may be canceled through the conclusion of the final registration period for the semester if there is insufficient enrollment in the course.

Responsibilities

• Attend all lectures MW 11:40-1:00 for Spring 2024 semester
• Hold weekly office hours with one extra office hour before each exam (3 exams total)
• Grade course assignments and assessments
• Assist the course instructor with administration and various instructional tasks, such as the development and management of electronic materials

Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or related field

Preferred Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program
Previous teaching experience at the undergraduate level

Pay
$4,000 per course, per semester

How to apply: Please email your resume/CV and cover letter to Professor Rishita Shah ([email protected]).

Posted December 6, 2023

About the lab: We are a young and vibrant group applying biological, physiological and computational tools to understand and identify new treatments for motor and sensory neuron diseases. The laboratory is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic research assistant with experience in molecular biology and in particular stem cell biology to support preclinical studies related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and pain.

Job Description: The research technician will contribute to the intellectual development of a project, attend and present at lab meetings, and engage in the scientific community through opportunities to attend conferences and publish papers. The major responsibilities will include stem cell culture and differentiation, analysis of molecular disease-related phenotypes using patient and control as well as gene-edited iPSC lines, quantitative analysis of expression and sequence data, general molecular biology techniques such as immunohistochemistry, RNA isolation and PCR to analyze cells of interest. Additional work will include assistance with ordering, laboratory maintenance and animal husbandry. The candidate must be able to make a two-year commitment.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Stem cell culture and differentiation
• High-content imaging and physiology (calcium imaging/ optogenetics)
• Bioinformatic analysis of expression and sequence data
• Mouse brain and spinal cord dissection
• Purification of RNA and PCR
• Perform tasks associated with ordering, animal husbandry, and lab uptake
• Grant applications & protocols for Biosafety, Animals, and IRB
• May assist with training other personnel

Required Skills: Must be an enthusiastic, diligent and professional team player with excellent time management skills. Meticulous detail about laboratory techniques and documentation are required, as are the ability to work
independently and as a member of a team. The candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. The position requires accurately maintaining records of laboratory work in sufficient detail for reproduction of the experiments, organizing, analyzing and summarizing acquired data. The candidate may assist with drafting or contributing to the preparation of research papers, manuscripts or other documents for publication and/or presentation.

Posted November 28, 2023

Education: BA/BS in neurobiology, molecular biology, or related field

Experience: One year of previous relevant laboratory work experience strongly desired.

Contact: PLEASE CONTACT AND INCLUDE COVER LETTER, CV, AND TRANSCRIPT: [email protected]

Job Summary: The Lab Assistant will assist with lab management and conduct research in the areas of microbiology and biochemistry. The Lab Assistant will report to the PI. This is a full-time term position.

Job Description: The Lab Assistant will participate in a research project in the area of microbial heme biochemistry, under supervision of the PI and in collaboration with the PI and undergraduate researchers. The Lab Assistant will perform lab management jobs including: organizing and maintaining reagents and databases, handling basic purchasing and bookkeeping, and preparing visual aids for professional presentations, publications, or grant proposals. Techniques used in this lab include, bacteria and yeast cell culture, mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein expression, protein purification, biochemical assays, and fluorescence microscopy. They will perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed.

Salary: $58,500 annually.

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements: Undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology. An interest in learning new biochemical and microbial research techniques.

Preferred Qualifications: Research laboratory experience with standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques is preferred but not required.

Contact: Please apply at this link.

Posted November 14, 2023

Job Description: A technician position is available in the Targoff Lab, Department of Pediatrics and Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, starting in October 2023.

About the lab: The primary focus of the Targoff Lab is to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular development and regeneration. We accomplish these goals through the use of zebrafish as a model system and expand our studies into the fields of transcriptional regulation, cardiac mechanobiology, and stem cell biology. We utilize an innovative combination of genetic, live-imaging, single cell genomic, and transgenic approaches.

Contact: Outstanding and highly motivated candidates with backgrounds in biology, genetics, or biomedical engineering should apply to Dr. Kimara L. Targoff ([email protected]) with a cover letter and curriculum vitae included.

Posted October 27, 2023

Job Description: The Bandopadhayay Lab (www.bandolab.org) at DFCI (with co-affiliations with Boston
Children’s Hospital and the Broad Institute) is seeking a motivated research assistant to join our
efforts to find better treatments for children with brain tumors. We apply cutting-edge genomic
technologies to identify drivers of childhood cancers and to determine mechanisms of resistance
to current and novel treatments. Our lab is highly translational and spans efforts from acquiring
patient samples to generating and analyzing high-throughput datasets from those samples. To
that end, the individual will engage in experiments that utilize molecular biology techniques such
as cell culture methods, recombinant DNA and gene transfer technology, and other cell biology
assays. There will be opportunities to learn and assist in computational methods of analysis.
The individual will also assist in daily laboratory operations and organization.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent is required, preferably in the biological,
biochemical, or computational sciences. We encourage all applicants that are enthusiastic about
scientific discovery and are passionate about helping improve patient outcomes to apply. Prior
research experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, or genetics is a plus, as well as
experience with computational coding, data management, and statistical analysis. The ideal
candidate will be a team player, highly self-motivated, and eager to engage in translational
research. We are looking for candidates with a minimum of two years of availability. Candidates
graduating in winter 2023 are welcome to apply

Contact: Please contact Dr. Mimi Bandopadhayay ([email protected]) if
interested.

Posted September 18, 2023

Job Description: This is a full-time position. Applicants must be able to make at least a two-year commitment to the lab. Depending on degree qualification, the applicant may be able to begin as a research trainee or technician. A research trainee will also have the opportunity to move on to a lab technician position in their second year, based on performance. This will confer extra responsibilities including more independence and data analysis.

Responsibilities: The research assistant will be involved and trained in techniques relevant to our translational research program. The focus will be on identifying antibody responses to mycobacterial antigens that could serve as biomarkers or correlates of protection against TB. This will include techniques such as the culturing of mycobacteria, the production of antigens, human sample preparations, data recording, and the performance and analysis of antibody detection assays such as immunoblots, ELISAs, and microarrays.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Prior laboratory experience with a bachelor's degree in biology or a related scientific field for a trainee position; advanced degree required to start as a technician
• Broad skill base in standard techniques (such as ELISA, Western Blot, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, and protein purification)
• Detail-oriented, organized, and have at least a simple understanding of scientific literature
• Excellent interpersonal skills and self-directed work ethic

Contact: If interested, please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Please do not directly contact the lab by phone, unless otherwise stated. First round interviews will be held through Zoom. Depending on the situation, a second in-person interview might be required.

Posted August 10, 2023

Job Description: A trainer position is available to start on August 21st for our new Wavi device. Wavi is an all-in-one brain measurement platform which provides objective information about brain function.  Wavi uses well established evoked EEG technology to record electrical signatures , providing doctors, researchers and wellness experts with actionable, data- driven reports.

Job Responsibilities: Candidates should have a keen interest in brain performance as we test patients that present with mild cognitive impairment, pre-dementia, and pre-Alzheimer's disease. The candidate should be able to communicate well and be able to instruct others. The candidate will be thoroughly trained by the company prior to starting the position and will then be required to install and train other technicians in various physician offices. An average training session is approximately 3-4 hours and a car will be necessary as we install Wavi systems throughout the 5 boroughs and Long Island

EXCELLENT COMPENSATION will be provided

Contact:
Mitchel Rosner
VP Sales
Advanced Diagnostic Solutions
516-946-9353
[email protected]

Posted August 4, 2023

The LifeSci NYC Internship Program offers the chance to complete a single application to gain access to paid internship and f/t job opportunities at dozens of NYC life sciences companies and organizations. Students from all majors are eligible to apply, as a wide range of science, tech, and business roles are offered.

The MSK Bridge program aims to provide post-baccalaureate trainees from traditionally underrepresented (URM) groups with a strong foundation in science and research, as well as guided mentoring that will help them successfully transition into biomedical PhD programs. Successful applicants to the program — known as Bridge Scholars — will conduct a research project in one of MSK’s scientific laboratories for up to 24 months. The overarching goal of MSK Bridge is to increase the participation of URM scientists in biomedical fields.

Bridge Scholars will receive a stipend of $41,000 per year. Health benefits are included. Housing will be available through MSK. MSK Bridge is part of the Maximizing Excellence in Research Education and Training (MERIT) program and is supported by Dr. Charles and Susan Sawyers, the Center for Experimental Immuno-Oncology, and for those entering computational labs, the Computational Oncology Program.

Thinking Caps is a boutique tutoring company that provides the following services to NYC-area students:

• Study and executive functioning skills instruction
• Individualized subject tutoring (including English, math, foreign languages, and science)
• Test prep support (ISEE, SSAT, SAT, ACT, SHSAT, SAT subject tests, etc.)

Dates of hire: Ongoing

Spend two years teaching math or science in schools in low-income areas.

Dates of hire: Ongoing

Explore careers in Genetics posted to the ASHG job board.

Dates of hire: Ongoing

Explore careers in the field of primatology on the AVP job board.

Dates of hire: Ongoing

Explore careers in the field of Marine Biology on the MATE job board.

Dates of hire: Ongoing

Explore careers in Evolutionary Biology using a job board hosted by McMaster University.

Dates of hire: Ongoing

Explore careers in Cell Biology using a job board hosted by The American Society for Cell Biologists.

Dates of hire: Ongoing

Explore careers in Conservation Biology using a job board hosted by the Society for Conservation Biology

Dates of hire: Ongoing