Postdoctoral position in single-cell functional genomics, Norman Lab, MSK

Introduction

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.

The Norman Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our team. We're a hybrid experimental-computational group in the Computational & Systems Biology program at MSK. Our long-term goal is to enable rational engineering of cell state: using large-scale functional genomics to build predictive models of how cells respond to perturbations, then applying those models to reprogram cells in disease contexts. Our primary model system is the fibroblast, a phenotypically plastic cell type with roles in cancer, fibrosis, and inflammatory disease.

What we work on:

• CRISPR screening at scale: We co-developed the Perturb-seq approach for conducting single-cell CRISPR screens. We’ve since scaled this technology to target every gene in the genome and to systematically map genetic interactions, and we continue to develop new screening approaches that expand what's possible.
• Fibroblast plasticity and ECM in disease: Fibroblasts take on harmful states in cancer and fibrosis. We use genetic screens to find the genes that control these transitions, understand how resulting extracellular matrix changes drive disease, and identify factors that reverse them.
• Computational “virtual cell” models: We use our large-scale experiments to train models that predict how cells respond to perturbations, as a step toward rational engineering of cell phenotype.

Position overview: You’ll lead projects applying state-of-the-art functional genomics or optical screening approaches to questions in cancer, fibrosis, or inflammatory disease. The lab has a strong track record in technology development, and postdocs here can help shape new methods, not just apply existing ones. We’re equally excited about domain experts in fibrosis, ECM biology, or inflammatory disease who want to bring deep biological knowledge and gain experience with cutting-edge technologies. Our interdisciplinary environment offers opportunities to develop computational skills alongside experimental work, preparing you for independence in academia or industry.

Key qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field (cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, systems biology, bioengineering, or similar)
• Experience working with primary fibroblasts, primary macrophages, organoids, or other complex cellular models
• We're especially interested in candidates with either: (1) expertise in ECM biology, fibrosis, or mechanobiology, OR (2) a strong background in technology/methods development. Strong experimentalists from other systems are welcome if excited to work in either space.
• First-author publication(s) demonstrating independent research
• Interest in cancer, fibrosis, or inflammatory disease biology

Core Skills:

• Primary or complex model cell culture experience M
• olecular cloning, lentiviral transduction, CRISPR methods
• Flow cytometry and single-cell genomics techniques
• Screening experience is a plus, particularly with high-content approaches like Perturb-seq or optical methods

Environment: MSK is one of the world's leading cancer research centers, with over 120 laboratories spanning basic and translational science. The main campus sits in Manhattan's Upper East Side research corridor alongside Rockefeller University and Weill Cornell Medical College, with whom MSK shares training programs, core facilities, and a formal collaboration network. Proximity to MSK's clinical operations and neighboring hospitals provides access to patient-derived samples for translational work. Beyond the science, New York offers an unmatched quality of life for those who thrive in a vibrant urban environment.

Submit C.V., cover letter, and references to:           

Dr. Thomas Norman

normantm@mskcc.org

Helpful links:  

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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