• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 07/31/2026
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $42,000 - $45,000

Position Summary

The Systems Intelligence Lab at Columbia Biomedical Engineering Department is seeking to hire a Research Assistant (RA)/Technician. The candidate will join exciting projects developing experimentally-guided computational models to address unanswered questions related to natural and artificial intelligence. The candidate will be responsible for assisting with the development of a range of mathematical models and analytical tools that can readily be used in conjunction with neuroscience and biomedical data to gain new insights into the circuit dynamics important for adaptive information processing in healthy individuals and the possible disruptions in disorders. Additional duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to) maintain lab protocols and computational resources, and general lab support. We are seeking a motivated individual with experience with mathematical modeling, machine learning, and large-scale data. This is a great position for a recent BS/MS graduate who would like to gain further experience in a full-time research setting before further pursuing graduate school or medical professions.

The Systems Intelligence Lab is led by Dr. Nuttida Rungratsameetaweemana, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The lab focuses on questions integrating computational and experimental approaches to investigate the neural computations underlying complex cognitive functions in both health and disease. The position will be assisting with studies using mathematical modeling, machine learning, analytical methods, as well as supporting other projects as needed.

Responsibilities

• (40%) Assist with the development of mathematical models and analytical tools. Collaborating with principal investigators and other team members to translate biological, physical, or engineering hypotheses into quantitative models.\

• (20%) Applying techniques from areas such as differential equations, stochastic processes, optimization, or machine learning, depending on project needs. Writing clean, well-documented code (e.g., in Python, R, MATLAB, or similar languages) to simulate and analyze models. Validating models through comparison with experimental data or simulations, and iteratively refining them based on findings.

• (20%) Assist with evaluation and testing of computational platforms developed by members of the labs. Participate in systematic testing, validation, and performance assessment of software tools, pipelines, and computational platforms developed in the lab. Tasks include:

• (10%) Assist in the maintenance of common resources of the lab, including servers, workstations, research manuals, and data/code repositories. Help support the smooth operation of shared research infrastructure by: Monitoring and performing routine maintenance on lab computing resources (e.g., Linux servers, GPUs, networked workstations).

• (10%) Performs other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical-related disciplines or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum one year of experience in a research environment. At least one year of experience developing mathematical or machine learning models.
• Skills and Knowledge: The ideal candidate must be able to work independently and be self-motivated, positively contributing to the lab's aims and objectives. Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills are essential. The candidate should have the ability to prioritize tasks and work both independently and collaboratively with undergraduate and graduate researchers in the lab. This role also requires working under the direct supervision of senior lab personnel, adapting to varying levels of guidance and oversight. High proficiency in English is required.
• Preferred: Preference will be given to individuals with prior experience in computational neuroscience or biologically-inspired machine learning research. Candidates with laboratory experience in computer science, biology, physics, artificial intelligence, or related fields are encouraged to apply, though expertise in computational neuroscience or biomedical engineering is highly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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