Apply for an undergraduate research opportunity in neuroscience and cellular genetics

Undergraduate Research Assistant – Cellular Modeling for Studying Psychiatric Illnesses (Columbia University & NYGC)

The Singh Lab at Columbia University and the New York Genome Center (NYGC) is seeking two highly motivated undergraduate students from Columbia University or Barnard College to assist in a cutting-edge research project on understanding the molecular and genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder (BD) and other severe psychiatric disorders.
Our work integrates genomics, cellular biology, and computational approaches to investigate the mechanisms of psychiatric illnesses using patient-derived cellular models. This project is part of the BD2 Discovery Platform, a large-scale initiative aiming to delineate the causal mechanisms of BD using advanced functional genomics and genome engineering technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain, expand, and differentiate human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into neuronal cultures using established protocols.
  • Generate and culture induced glutamatergic neurons (iN) from iPSCs via lentiviral NGN2 induction.
  • Assist in the establishment and maintenance of cell villages for large-scale functional assays.
  • Perform routine cell culture techniques, including:
    • Passaging, freezing, and mycoplasma testing.
  • Work with primary mouse cortical glial cultures for comparative studies.
  • Support experimental workflows involving:
    • Immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology techniques (PCR, Sanger sequencing, RNA extraction, etc.).
  • Keep detailed laboratory records in Benchling and contribute to data analysis and interpretation in a team-oriented research environment.

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate student at Columbia University or Barnard College.
  • Background in biological sciences, neuroscience, bioengineering, or related disciplines.
  • Prior cell culture experience (especially stem cells or neurons) is preferred but not required.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to follow experimental protocols.
  • Interest in psychiatric genetics, neurobiology, and functional genomics.
  • Willingness to commit 10-15 hours per week to lab work, with flexibility based on coursework.

Why Join Us?

  • Gain hands-on experience in stem cell biology, neurobiology, and functional genomics.
  • Work alongside leading scientists in psychiatric genetics at Columbia University, the New York Genome Center, and Rutgers University.
  • Contribute to high-impact research with translational potential in understanding severe mental illnesses.
  • Develop laboratory skills that are highly valuable for graduate school, medical school, and research careers.
Interested students should send their CVs and brief statements of interest to cpizzano@nygenome.org and tsingh@nygenome.org with the subject line “Undergraduate Research Position—Singh Lab.”