Associate Research Scientist

Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Position Summary

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center seeks an Associate Research Scientist with expertise in basic and translational research on spine and intervertebral disc disease, with particular emphasis on aging-related degeneration, immunological mechanisms of disease, mechanobiology and omics-driven discovery. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing mechanistic understanding of age-associated spinal disorders, identifying novel biological targets for therapeutic intervention, including evaluating novel therapeutics.

This is a research position emphasizing scientific leadership, independent investigation, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary research program.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct basic and translational research focused on biology and mechanobiology of aging and injury related spine and intervertebral disc degeneration.
• Investigate innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, inflammation, cellular senescence, and immune–tissue interactions in spine and disc disease.
• Design and implement omics-based approaches, including transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, single-cell, and spatial omics methodologies.
• Develop and utilize in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of spinal aging and disc degeneration including use of genetic models of disease
• Collect, validate and integrate omics datasets with functional assays, histology, imaging, and mechanobiological analyses.
• Analyze and interpret high-dimensional datasets using rigorous and reproducible analytical approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in high impact peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to the preparation of extramural funding applications (e.g., NIH, foundations, institutional, and industry partners).
• Mentor and supervise students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff.
• Collaborate with clinicians, scientists, engineers, and administration across Columbia University.

  Minimum Qualifications

  • PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical engineering, immunology, systems biology, aging biology, musculoskeletal biology, physiology or a related field.
  • Demonstrated expertise in basic research relevant to spine and/or intervertebral disc disease, aging biology, or immunological mechanisms of disease.
  • Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience with omics technologies and interpretation of complex biological datasets.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in spine aging, disc degeneration, immunology, or systems biology using genetic small animal models
    • Experience with single-cell and/or spatial omics platforms and associated bioinformatics pipelines.
    • Familiarity with inflammaging, immune modulation, cellular senescence, or age-related tissue degeneration.
    • Prior involvement in successful grant submissions or funded research projects.
    • Demonstrated experience mentoring trainees in an academic research setting.