New York University

Description

The McDevitt laboratory at New York University has a long tradition of developing new medical microdevice technologies that are suitable for early disease detection. In this general area, a MEGA grant sponsored by the NIDCR division of the NIH has been awarded recently with the goal of developing next generation cytomics-on-a-chip tools for oral cancer diagnosis. This multi-institution prospective cohort study seeks to utilize and optimize first Point-of-Care Oral Cytopathology Tool (POCOCT), a microfluidics ensemble and single cell image-based data acquisition system employing artificial intelligence with interpretation of >100 image features including nuclear F-actin for precision oral lesion diagnostics to be completed. Portable diagnostic tools and embedded algorithms will be optimized for secondary and tertiary care settings for the first time. In this study, POCOCT-derived oral cancer and oral dysplasia models will be developed to elucidate population and patient-specific dynamic changes in numerical index that yield key information related to cancer recurrence (CR) and risk of malignant transition (MT). The overarching goals of this study are: (1) to determine whether cytological signatures, when examined serially over time, can lead to better risk prediction for CR, (2) to determine if the same signatures can lead to earlier detection of local recurrence than the traditional clinical pathway, and (3) to further optimize the POCOCT for precision lesion diagnostics of MT and CR using newly identified biomarkers, including nuclear F-actin, and rare cell phenotypes identified by deep learning. This prospective longitudinal cohort study has potential for more accurate lesion diagnosis, improving patient survival and overall quality of life.

The McDevitt laboratory at NYU now offers an exciting opportunity to join the study team as an Associate Research Scientist / Research Technologist position. The successful candidate will participate in studies that aim to develop novel cytopathology diagnostic tools suitable for oral lesion diagnosis. The project will be fast-paced and multi-disciplinary and provide strong career development and learning opportunities. The Associate Research Scientist / Research Technologist will be responsible for performing a variety of essential laboratory experiments under general supervision, as well as more advanced duties under direct supervision. The Associate Research Scientist / Research Technologist will work closely with senior McDevitt lab personnel in advanced procedures and contribute the organization of the lab.

Job Responsibilities:

• Core Functions - One of the main functions of this position is to complete cytopathology tests using established chip-based cell imaging procedures while documenting the obtained findings. Careful documentation of patient cell-based image data will serve as the basis for development of new clinical procedures to diagnose oral cancer at an earlier stage than possible now via the current standard of care.
• General Lab Duties – The selected candidate will complete basic lab duties under general supervision as well as more advanced duties under direct supervision; assist with the ordering and tracking of laboratory supplies; perform routine technical tasks, and assist in the general maintenance of the lab, such as prepare stock reagents and maintain inventory of the lab's supplies. 
• The selected candidate will handle safely a variety of clinical samples using safe laboratory practices and follow established safety protocols.
• The selected candidate will complete general techniques in assay development, biochemistry, and cell culture; under supervision, will participate in standard lab experiments; assist in experiments using established protocols and procedures, and document results of experiments.
• Assist in Developing Procedures - The selected candidate will assist in implementing new procedures and protocols to support experiments; Participate actively in developing, recommending, and implementing new approved procedures, or modifications to existing protocols and procedures; maintains and updates technical knowledge for the lab. 
• Communication/Relationship with Others - The selected candidate will cooperate, communicate, and relate well to various members of the study team including the Principal Investigator; Listen carefully to others to respond appropriately, answer questions or obtain needed information; Communicate clearly ideas, problems, suggestions, and messages in a timely and effective manner; Maintain the confidentiality of all research information; demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Judgment/Decision-Making - The selected candidate will recognize problems as they occur; and through the application of appropriate policy/ procedure, determine and/or recommends the appropriate solution; seeks guidance as necessary for the performance of duties asks appropriate questions when in doubt and utilizes reference sources/materials to endure accuracy; Advise appropriate personnel of situations/problems requiring intervention or follow-up attention.
• The selected candidate will demonstrate knowledge of the study protocol and the manual of operating procedures that guide the collection of quality data for this essential study.
• The selected candidate will participate and perform other related duties as required.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: To qualify, you must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Life Sciences or a related field with one year of direct research experience. Advanced (beyond basic lab training will be accepted in lieu of lab experience as assessed by the Principal Investigator). Effective oral and written communication skills required.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences (including, Biochemistry, Biology, Immunology, or Bioengineering) or Chemistry / Chemical Engineering; recent graduates strongly encouraged to apply. Further, ideal candidates will have one year or longer experience in independent research utilizing techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and/or immunology. Experience with assay development, cell imaging, mammalian cell culture will be helpful. Introductory-level knowledge of two or more of the following fields is desirable: biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, cancer biology, immunology.

Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the study team.