• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range:  $56,410.11-$56,410.11

Position Summary

The Department of Ophthalmology is seeking a Research Associate to work in a dynamic experimental genetics laboratory at Columbia University with duties at the Manhattanville campus. The laboratory focuses on the genetics, pathophysiology, and neurobiology of glaucoma in the context of metabolism and aging.

The research associate will gain experience in areas including mammalian genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, and physiology. The position can be viewed as stepping-stone to further education or longer term depending on the candidate, with previous incumbents having continued to top medical and PhD programs. Applicant must be a highly motivated, self-starter with preference for proven meticulous laboratory habits. The specific mix of activities will depend on the incumbent with the long-term possibility to learn a variety of experimental techniques.

Applicants should submit a cover letter indicating their interest and at least two but ideally three faculty level referees.

Responsibilities

• Perform tests, experiments, and/or procedures in close communication with supervising research scientists.
• Clinical assessment of ocular phenotypes of mice including but not limited to: intraocular pressure measurement, outflow capacity measurements, anterior chamber examination, retinal photography, electroretinography, and optical coherence tomography.
• Characterization of new disease genes and pathways.
• Molecular, physiologic, and metabolic techniques to study disease mechanisms.
• Image acquisition, processing, and analysis using Image J or other common imaging software.
• Assistance with mouse colony maintenance through selecting appropriate mice for mating and weaning.         

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and at least 1.5 years of related experience or equivalent in education, training and experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a research environment
• Ability to work flexible shifts, which may include occasional weekend work.
• Education in biology, molecular biology, genetics and/or molecular/cellular neuroscience or related degrees.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have education in molecular biology and genetics.
• Experience with mouse handling, genetics, and/or physiology are desirable but not required.
• Previous experience in a laboratory environment is strongly preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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