• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
• Salary Range: $38,600 - $42,000

Position Summary

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute brings together world-class scientists across academic disciplines conducting pioneering research to transform our understanding of how the brain works – and gives rise to mind and behavior. The Institute fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment across 50+ labs, advancing insights into human health by exploring how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers.

At the Zuckerman Institute, we are committed to becoming a more inclusive, equitable and diverse place of scientific discovery and support a culture of respect. Promoting diversity in science will help drive the transformative science that can change the world.

Situated in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus, the state-of-the-art building offers an environment where the highest level of scholarly scientific research takes place on a daily basis, with the benefit of being located in the heart of New York, one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

The Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as a Research Staff Assistant (Cagewash Technician) working in our Institute of Comparative Medicine Vivarium Facility located in the Jerome L. Green Science Center. Reporting to the Operations Lead, the Research Staff Assistant (Cagewash Technician) will be responsible for providing husbandry support to the ICM / Vivarium Facility.

The Research Staff Assistant (Cagewash Technician) is a designated essential position within the ICM / Vivarium Facility. The ICM / Vivarium Facility is opened seven days a week including during University closings for inclement weather. The role requires someone who is reliable and is on occasion available to work overtime, including weekends, holidays and during inclement weather.

This is a full-time grant funded role.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Clean, sanitize, and sterilize equipment using an automated sanitizing system. Operation of rack and tunnel washers.
• Dispose of waste in compliance with university, federal, and state regulations. Supporting a sanitary environment by assisting with cleaning throughout the facility. Adherence with sanitation and sterilization schedules for vivarium and facility spaces.
• Perform minor or preventative maintenance on equipment. Observe and report any necessary equipment repair or damage.
• Perform inventory-related duties including the movement/delivery of feed with the use of racks, carts, dollies, and other equipment.
• Refilling of water bottles and other stocking needs as assigned.
• Participate in ongoing employee training programs with special emphasis on safety and health training and safe work practices and use of personal protective equipment. Ensure adherence with safety, compliance, and research-related protocols.
• Additional duties as assigned or necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Six (6) months of experience working within a vivarium or similar facility.

Must be able to work with various cleaning and sanitizing chemicals.

Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred knowledge of the following equipment: autoclaves, automatic conveyor belt cleaning systems, disposal of waste materials.

The ideal candidate must possess sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.

Candidate should have experience with mechanical machinery and operations and be able to perform physical labor involving the breaking down and setting up of heavy caging.

It is highly recommended that the candidate passes the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level after one year of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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