Research Assistant

• 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: $25.22 - $27.20

Position Summary

The Molecular and Microscale Bioengineering Laboratory of Samuel Sia, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering is seeking a Research Staff Assistant who will work with Professor Sia and other lab members on a research project in the lab studying fabrication of microfluidic devices and drug delivery in wound healing. The Biomedical Engineering department is part of a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovative research. We foster a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, where students and staff benefit from world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Our dedication to advancing knowledge in applied physics and applied mathematics creates a dynamic and supportive setting for your professional growth.

Responsibilities

40% Microfluidics:

Fabricate and characterize PDMS-based microfluidic devices using soft lithography techniques, including master mold preparation via photolithography, PDMS mixing and curing, and post-fabrication quality control to ensure dimensional accuracy and structural integrity of microchannels.

Develop and optimize bonding protocols for PDMS integration with diverse substrates, including oxygen plasma-assisted bonding to glass, surface functionalization strategies (e.g., APTES, silane chemistry) for adhesion to metallic substrates, and mechanical or adhesive bonding methods for incorporation of porous membranes into multi-layer microfluidic assemblies.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and iterate microfluidic architectures tailored to specific experimental requirements, troubleshooting delamination, leakage, and surface compatibility challenges across heterogeneous material interfaces while maintaining detailed fabrication records and standard operating procedures.

35% Wound Healing:

Animal handling and surgical support – Assist with daily animal (pig) monitoring, pre- and post-operative care, and surgical procedures including wound induction, anesthesia support, and sterile field maintenance in compliance with IACUC protocols.

Device preparation and application – Prepare, apply, and replace experimental wound dressings and devices at designated study timepoints.

Data collection and imaging – Capture and analyze standardized wound images at scheduled timepoints using digital photography and image processing software to track healing outcomes.

Tissue collection and processing – Assist with collection and preparation of biological samples at study endpoints for histological and molecular analyses.

10%: Perform data analysis of results and communicate findings to research mentor, other team members, and PI.

5%: Assess laboratory supplies needed for research work and coordinate purchases with the Laboratory Manager.

5%: Weekly meetings with PI to discuss accomplishments and future goals for the research.

5%: Perform other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree required in a scientific discipline

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with animal care in a laboratory environment.
  Proficiency in basic laboratory procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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