Research Assistant, Integrated Genomics Operation

Job details

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 team as a Research Assistant!

The Integrated Genomics Operation (IGO) enables basic, clinical and translational research projects across the Cancer Center. IGO implements 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” of genomics technologies such as single cell and spatial transcriptomics.

The IGO “Seq Team” provides cutting-edge sequencing chemistries to MSK investigators, from Illumina, Oxford Nanopore and Element Biosciences. We seek an experienced bench scientist who is enthusiastic about mastering a wide range of sequencing applications. The candidate will learn all the nuances of assessing library quality and quantity, learn how to combine different types of samples on to a flowcell and assess sequencing data quality. IGO has a strong team-based culture and as such, the candidate will interface with many other teams within the lab. Prior experience with sequencing is welcome but not required, in-depth training will be provided regardless!

Role Overview:

• Operate short-read (Illumina, Element) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore) sequencers.
• Assist the group leader in planning sequencing runs.
• Execute QC and pooling processes for sequencing libraries.
• Evaluate QC results and troubleshoot as required.
• Manage sequencing reagent inventory in collaboration with lab management.
• Maintain documentation in the IGO Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Communicate with scientists and vendor technical support and sales representatives.
• Collaborate across IGO teams to ensure smooth sample processing and data transfer.
• Learn to operate liquid handlers and robotic instrument for high-throughput workflows.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with 2 years of experience.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology.
• Genomics experience is a plus.

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, professional manner.
• Enthusiasm and dedication to MSK's vision, mission, and values.

Additional Information:

• Location: Schwartz Building, 1250 1st Ave, NYC
• Schedule: Monday – Friday 9-5, with the ability to be flexible as needed by the team
• Reporting to the Manager, Core Facilities

Helpful Links:

• MSK Compensation Philosophy
• Review our great benefits offerings
• Integrated Genomics Operation

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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