• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $61,042.40 - $61,042.40

Position Summary

The Hood-Tsamis Visual Science Lab in the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated and organized Research Assistant. The Research Assistant performs duties associated with the data collection, organization, and analysis from studies and projects related to the lab, in adherence with assigned study protocols and manuals of operation and in accordance with clinical research principles.

In addition, the successful candidate will be actively involved in the daily activities of the Glaucoma Reading center for Imaging and Perimetry (GRIP). This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in clinical and translational research, co-author scientific publications, and work alongside leading clinicians and scientists.

Responsibilities

Data Collection and Management

• Assist with the collection and organization of clinical images and data from specialized equipment, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Visual Field (VF) machines.
• Organize and maintain research databases, ensuring data is entered accurately, confidentially, and completely.
• Perform routine data quality checks and validation to ensure the integrity of quantitative and qualitative data.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Export raw data and process ophthalmic images to generate reports, tables, and figures suitable for presentations and publications.
• Assist with the preparation of manuscripts, posters, and other scholarly dissemination methods under the guidance of senior researchers.

Regulatory and Protocol Adherence

• Obtain and maintain all required certifications, including Columbia IRB Human Subjects training, and ensure that Good Clinical Practices (GCP) are followed at all times.
• Assist with the creation, review, and maintenance of study-related documents, including Manuals of Procedure (MOPs), training materials, and other regulatory records.

Subject Recruitment and Interaction

• Assist with the recruitment, screening, scheduling, and consenting of study participants in accordance with IRB-approved protocols.

General Lab Support

• Conduct and summarize literature searches to support new and ongoing research projects.
• Contribute to the overall organization and smooth operation of the laboratory as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 1.5 years of related experience or equivalent in education, training and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with patients, clinicians, and research staff.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of relevant research experience in a laboratory or clinical setting.
• Prior experience working with human subjects or patients in an ophthalmic research environment.
• Familiarity with data analysis software such as R, MATLAB, Python, or SPSS.
• Previous experience with ophthalmic imaging technologies or psychophysical testing.
• Demonstrated interest in ophthalmology, vision science, or neuroscience.
• Experience with regulatory and compliance procedures (e.g., IRB submissions).
• Basic knowledge and understanding of simple statistical and analytical methods (e.g. simple linear regression analysis)

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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