Research Associate, Immune Cell Dynamics and Function

The Team

Our immune cell reprogramming team integrates foundational research on immunology and disease biology with AI-modeling to develop engineered cells that harness our own immune system to detect and treat early signs of age-related diseases, like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. These technologies will enable precise, context-dependent therapeutic responses only when and where it is needed. You can learn more about our work here. 

Our work brings together three powerhouse universities - Columbia University, The Rockefeller University, and Yale University - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine.

Our Vision

• Pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• Enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• Facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

We are a team of passionate individuals powered by technology, guided by scientific research, and driven by collaboration, working toward a mission to cure or prevent all disease.

The Opportunity

The Parsa lab or Laboratory of Immune Cell Dynamics and Function, focuses on investigating the cellular dynamics of T cells, exploring how T cell fate decisions are made and how these decisions impact their functions in different disease contexts. Using a combination of genetically engineered mice, disease models, and single cell technologies, we aim to uncover the principles governing T cell fate and their functional roles across tissues. More information can be found at http://parsalab.org.

The Parsa Group is seeking outstanding, highly motivated scientists to join the Parsa lab as a Research Associate. Successful candidates will start their scientific training while contributing to an innovative, rigorous, and collaborative research program aligned with the Biohub mission. Applicants should have a background in a field relevant to immunology.  

Responsibilities include managing mice, processing mouse tissues, and analysis of immune cells by flow cytometry, and cell-based assays and technologies. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about experimental immunology and cell-based assays and thrives in a team-oriented, explorative environment.

What You'll Do

• Work closely with other postdoctoral fellows in the lab
• Design and execute complex spectral flow cytometry experiments, including multi-parameter panel optimization and data acquisition.
• Maintain mouse colonies and work with mice.
• Support organization and supply orders
• Set up and optimize in vitro cell stimulation assays and functional immunological readouts.
• Establish and maintain primary cell culture systems and immortalized cell lines for immunological studies.
• Develop and implement standardized protocols for cell-based assays, including viability assessment, proliferation assays, and cytokine measurements.
• Maintain detailed documentation of protocols, experimental conditions, and results
• Interacts with the PI and lab members to discuss and evaluate results

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology or a related field. 
• 6 months+ experience working with mice. 
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry techniques (antibody staining, compensation, flowjo)
• Experience with in vitro cell stimulation assays and functional readouts.
• Familiarity in immunological assays and analysis
• Confidence in hands on animal handling. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in executing multi-step experimental workflows.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in team-based research environments.
• Enthusiasm for immunology research.

Compensation

The New York City, NY base pay range for a new hire in this role is Research Associate I = $71,000.00 - $97,900.00 and Research Associate II = $83,000.00 - $113,300.00 (must have a Master's or equivalent YoE to be considered). New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

#LI-Onsite