Research Assistant

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: 63,234.71 - 63,234.71

Position Summary

The Research Assistant will support research activities in the Neurology/Movement Disorders program under the supervision of the Postdoctoral Research Scientist. The position will contribute to ongoing research focused on cerebellar mechanisms and essential tremor, with responsibilities involving laboratory animal research, experimental procedures, data collection, and general laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine mouse colony management: breeding, genotyping, and colony record-keeping.
• Assist with handling, husbandry, and welfare monitoring of rodent models.
• Support in vivo experiments, including behavioral testing and assistance with electrophysiology/optogenetics setups.
• Perform stereotaxic surgeries on mice (e.g., viral injections, cannula/electrode implantation), with training provided.
• Assist with tissue collection, processing, and histology (e.g., immunohistochemistry, imaging).
• Perform protein extraction and Western blot analysis.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and organized experimental records.
• Order and manage lab supplies and equipment as needed.
• Assist with data entry, basic analysis, and figure preparation.
• Contribute to general lab operations and comply with institutional animal care (IACUC) protocols.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least one and one-half years of related experience or equivalent in education, training and experience. 
• Knowledge of various related laboratory procedures and techniques required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior hands-on experience handling laboratory mice strongly preferred.
• Prior hands-on experience handling laboratory animals.
• Strong attention to detail and reliability in following experimental protocols.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team research environment.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Prior coursework or lab experience in neuroscience or behavioral testing is a plus but not required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.