• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Morningside
• Salary Range: $58,000.00 - $62,000.00

Position Summary

A Research Assistant position is available immediately in the Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering directed by Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic. We are looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant skilled in cell and tissue culture and basic laboratory techniques to join our dynamic laboratory team. We are working on multiple tissue engineering projects for improving human health. Please see our website for more information: gvnlab.bme.columbia.edu

We expect the Research Assistant to show competence and independence in performing tasks. Most of the procedures will be routine and done by following well-established protocols. Strong experimental skills and published experience in the area of the project are encouraged. The Research Assistant is expected to work closely with lab members and collaborators, working on the project. 

Responsibilities

(50%) Cell and tissue culture.

Maintain and culture multiple human cell lines, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), under aseptic conditions.

Develop and execute iPSC differentiation protocols to generate tissue-specific cell types for vascular and disease modeling applications, with a focus on cystic fibrosis.

Maintain standardized protocols for reproducibility and quality assurance; contribute to ongoing development and optimization of experimental procedures.

(30%) Laboratory analytics

Perform analytical assays including ELISA, immunofluorescence staining, and confocal/fluorescence microscopy to characterize cell and tissue constructs.

Quantify and analyze imaging data using ImageJ and other image analysis software; apply Python or MATLAB scripting for data processing and visualization where appropriate.

Collect, analyze, and interpret datasets; prepare technical reports and publications.

10%

Assist in the design and fabrication of tissue engineering experiments, including iPSC-derived vasculature models and 3D cell-laden constructs for lung disease applications.

Prepare 3D cell culture constructs, including hydrogel encapsulation systems; assess cell viability and functional metrics post-fabrication.

Perform primary cell isolation from human and animal tissue samples; contribute to cell banking and cryopreservation workflows.

Assist in the development and testing of new device or scaffold prototypes, applying engineering design principles including specification definition, iterative testing, and documentation.

10%

Provide technical support across multiple concurrent laboratory projects, including cross-functional collaboration with graduate students, postdocs, and external collaborators.

Perform standard scientific assays including western blot, ELISA, immunostaining, and flow cytometry; troubleshoot protocols and document procedures for laboratory records.

Assist with the training and onboarding of junior laboratory members in cell culture techniques, microscopy, and data analysis; support laboratory inventory management and equipment maintenance.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required in a scientific discipline.

Minimum two (2) years of experience in a research environment.

Specific skills and/or knowledge required for the position:

Human cell and tissue culture. 

Proficiency in basic laboratory procedures. 

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

B.S. in Bioengineering or a related field with  work at least 2 years’ experience in biomedical/bioengineering laboratory or

M.S. with 1-2 years’ work experience.

Interest in research.

Strong experience with cell culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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