• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
• Salary Range: $45,900 - $50,000

Position Summary

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute unites world-class scientists across diverse academic disciplines to conduct groundbreaking research that transforms our understanding of the brain and its influence on the mind and behavior.

As a leading neuroscience institute, our mission is to decipher the mind and brain to better understand behavior. Our researchers are committed to foundational science, uncovering the principles that shape how the brain develops, functions, and recovers.

With more than 50 labs, the Zuckerman Institute serves as a hub for collaboration, bringing together Columbia’s top scholars to drive research in bold new directions. Located in Manhattanville, our state-of-the-art Jerome L. Greene Science Center provides an inspiring home for discovery in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. 

The laboratory of Dr. Charles Zuker at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute is looking for a highly motivated Research Staff Assistant with an interest in the structural and molecular basis of taste perception, to work in an exciting and innovative research environment. The candidate will work closely with an associate research scientist and a graduate student on ongoing experiments using molecular and genetic approaches, protein biochemistry, cell-based functional assays, and cryo-EM imaging and analysis. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic, self-motivated professional looking to stay within the lab for at least 1 year before moving on to their next opportunity or graduate school/medical school. Strong candidates will be organized, responsible, and teamwork-oriented individuals who would enjoy working collaboratively with graduate students, postdocs, other technicians, and the laboratory staff in support of research goals.

This is a full-time grant-funded role.

Responsibilities

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

• Under the direction of an Associate Research Scientist, perform biological techniques including molecular cloning (PCR, gel electrophoresis, plasmid construction and purification, etc.), insect and/or mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, immunostaining, SDS-PAGE and western blot.

• Under the direction of an Associate Research Scientist, assist with protein purification and cryo-EM imaging and structural data analysis. May assist in mouse husbandry, genotyping and behavioral experiments; may assist in the creation and verification of genetically engineered mouse lines.

• Ordering lab supplies and maintaining inventories of chemicals and reagents for experimental procedures.

• Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline is required, or equivalent experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a research environment.
• Prior experience in molecular or structural biology is preferred. Prior experience with standard biological techniques (immunostaining, PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) is preferred.
• The ideal candidate must be capable of troubleshooting and working through issues independently. They must be flexible in navigating experimental challenges and be patient and enthusiastic about learning and implementing new methodologies. It is also essential that they possess strong organizational skills, keep excellent notes, and be good with communication.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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