Research Assistant, Mengtong Li Lab

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 the Mengtong Li lab as a Research Assistant!

Join a newly established and growing research laboratory at MSK. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with Dr. Mengtong Li as the lab builds its research program. You will play an important role in supporting innovative research projects, developing new experimental capabilities, and helping establish the foundation for the lab's future growth!

We welcome applications from candidates across a range of experience levels who are genuinely fascinated by the brain-body interactions. Individuals whose qualifications align more closely with the Research Technician or Senior Research Technician level may also be considered, with the final title determined based on experience and qualifications.

Role Overview:

• Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator and postdoctoral fellow to conceptualize, design, and refine experiments investigating the brain-body interactions.
• Learn and implement new techniques as projects evolve. Undergo specialized training to perform and eventually lead complex biological procedures, including stereotaxic manipulations, mouse survival surgeries, and the use of viral systems for chemogenetics and optogenetics.
• Lead the "bench-side" validation of our experiments, including brain and tissue harvesting, precision tissue slicing (vibratome/cryostat), and immunostaining (IHC/IF).
• Perform routine molecular and cellular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, cell culture, and related laboratory procedures.
• Assist with mouse colony management, including breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance.
• Collect, organize, and maintain accurate experimental data and laboratory records.
• Assist with laboratory organization, reagent preparation, inventory management, and general lab operations.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with 2 years of experience.
• Experience with mouse work or colony management.
• Research experience in neuroscience, immunology or cancer biology is highly valued.
• A commitment of at least two years in the role before pursuing the next opportunity in science or medicine.

Core Skills:

• Enthusiasm for scientific discovery and a willingness to understand how things work.
• Ability to learn new experimental methods and adapt to evolving research priorities.
• Strong laboratory technique and attention to detail, with pride in the precision of the work and the integrity of the data.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting experimental challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a small, growing research team.
• Dedication to MSK's mission, vision, and values.

Additional Information:

• Location: Zuckerman, 417 E 68th Street, NYC
• Schedule: Monday to Friday

Helpful Links:

• The Mengtong Li Lab
• Compensation Philosophy 
• Benefits 

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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