Career Center

The laboratory of Dr. Fatemeh Momen-Heravi at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), is seeking an enthusiastic and exceptionally motivated Associate Research Scientist. The selected candidate will study elements of innate immunity, tumor microenvironment, tumor biology in the head and neck, and lung cancer as its connections with physiologically relevant inflammation in chronic diseases. The research will investigate the molecular basis for the function of non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs, and exosomes, in the regulation of the immune response in inflammation-related diseases and cancer progression. The studies will also involve an understanding of host response in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and cancer. Studies will use complementary methods, including human cell culture, cloning, flow cytometry, protein assays, RNAseq, RNAi, single-cell analysis, and mouse models. 

Opportunities for learning and mentoring to develop those skills will be provided. The candidate can expect individualized mentorship based on their personal career goal and will have the opportunity to explore new techniques and concepts.

Columbia University Medical Center is located in uptown Manhattan and provides a world-class scientific environment for biomedical and research training. Columbia University Medical Center and the College of Dental Medicine have a multidisciplinary research environment. 

Minimal degree required: PhD or equivalent in any of the relevant fields including: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Immunology, Genetics, Cancer Biology, or Developmental Biology. The ideal candidate will have a record of scientific innovation, productivity and rigor, a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary multi-cultural team, excellent time management, excellent written and oral communication skills. 

Required skills and competencies: 

• Demonstrating outstanding personal initiative and originality of thought
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary, fast paced, results-oriented environment
• Excellent teamwork
• Ability to convey their ideas and thoughts in an organized cohesive manner
• Ability to meet deadlines and multitask efficiently is a must

Knowledge of biochemistry and previous experience in bioinformatics are highly desirable. 

Applicants should submit a CV, letter of interest stating career goals and experience and the names, email address and telephone numbers of three professional references to Dr. Momen-Heravi at fm2540@cumc.columbia.edu. 

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides vibrant research environment with numerous opportunities for collaboration, professional training and growth. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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