• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
• Salary Range: $54,000 - $60,000

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. Richard Axel at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute has an open full-time position for a Research Staff Assistant (Cephalopod Culture Technician). The research staff assistant will work closely with researchers and report directly to the Principal Investigator to assist with all aspects of the husbandry and culturing practices of our Ascarosepion bandense (dwarf cuttlefish) colony, as well as other cephalopod species.

The Axel lab is investigating the neural basis of cuttlefish camouflage by developing technologies (e.g., gene editing) in the dwarf cuttlefish and analyzing their dynamic camouflage behavior. The cephalopod culture technician will work directly with the Cephalopod Facility Manager to maintain the cuttlefish facility and run a comprehensive breeding program. Cuttlefish are extremely delicate and sensitive animals. We are therefore seeking a highly motivated and reliable individual who is eager to learn, takes direction and responsibility, and is enthusiastic about our science.

This is a full-time, grant-funded role.

Responsibilities

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

• Feeding over 250+ cuttlefish in various life stages three times per day.
• Performing routine cleaning of tanks (vacuuming, water changes, algae removal, salt cleaning, and other related cleaning procedures).
• Maintaining thorough records of feeding, maintenance, and other husbandry-related tasks.
• Performing water quality analysis.
• Maintaining life support systems.
• Assisting researchers with research projects, e.g, behavioral experiments or novel aquatic system design and construction.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, or a related field, or a combination of work and education, can be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 1 year of experience in aquatic animal husbandry.
• Familiarity with aquatic animal life support systems (LSS) and water chemistry.
• Good communication, teamwork, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders and stools.
• Able to work standing up for extended periods of time.
• Ability to crouch and work in restricted spaces.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours when necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience culturing cephalopods.
• Minor plumbing, carpentry, and electrical skills.
• Surgical or microdissection experience.
• A passion for working with and promoting cephalopods in science.
• The ideal candidate must show an ability to work independently with accuracy and attention to detail.
• They must be flexible in nature and exhibit a willingness to learn new techniques and function in a fast-paced and changing work environment.
• They must possess strong organizational skills, keep excellent notes, show sound judgment, and have a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation as well as the ability to work independently within a diverse and dynamic team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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