Research Staff Assistant

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
• Salary Range: $46,600 - $55,000

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 Huston Lab at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute has an open position for a highly motivated Research Staff Assistant to assist working in a cutting-edge neuroscience laboratory. The incumbent will be analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory infrastructure and experimental systems. This role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

This is a full-time grant funded role.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct and support behavioral experiments and patch-clamp electrophysiology studies using Drosophila models.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance laboratory technical infrastructure, including data-tracking systems, analysis software, visual stimulus platforms, and experimental rigs.
• Train, mentor, and provide technical assistance to laboratory personnel on experimental procedures, equipment operation, and research protocols.
• Maintain and manage Drosophila stocks to ensure the health, integrity, and availability of experimental lines.
• Establish and monitor Drosophila genetic crosses in support of ongoing research projects.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, results, and data analyses; communicate findings and progress updates to the Principal Investigator.
• Create, update, and maintain comprehensive documentation of laboratory protocols, methodologies, and technical procedures to support reproducibility and knowledge sharing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant scientific or engineering field required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum one (1) year of related experience in a research environment is highly preferred.
• Applicants with previous experience working with sensory or motor systems are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Hands-on experience in some of the following areas preferable:
  • Patch clamp electrophysiology
  • Electrophysiology in insects
  • Drosophila genetics
  • Quantitative behavior
  • Immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging
  • Prototyping and debugging experimental apparatus
  • Computer programming (especially Matlab or Python)

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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