• 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: 80,000 - 90,000

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 to supervise all aspects of the husbandry and culturing practices of our Ascarosepion bandense colony as well as other cephalopod species. The Research Staff Assistant will work independently to ensure that day to day functions of the cephalopod facility are upheld with a high standard of excellence. This position provides the opportunity to participate in the vibrant intellectual community of the Axel laboratory within the Zuckerman Institute, located in the state-of-the-art Jerome L. Greene Science Center on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus in Manhattan. The Axel laboratory is a world leader in the study of the brain’s transformation of sensory information in the external world into appropriate behavioral responses. We seek someone who is eager to learn, takes direction and responsibility, and is enthusiastic about our science.

This is a full-time grant-funded position.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Independently overseeing 250+ cuttlefish in various life stages.
• Supervising other Research Staff Assistants in the lab and the cephalopod facility.
• Building and maintaining state of the art cephalopod culturing systems and other aquaria for research.
• Maintaining thorough records of feeding, maintenance, and other husbandry related tasks.
• Analyzing water quality results and implementing corrective measures.
• Analyzing animal data for use in manuscripts.
• Assisting researchers with projects as well as pursuing their own.
• Performing complex husbandry tasks to further innovate the field of laboratory cephalopod care.
• 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 3 years of experience in aquatic animal husbandry.
• At least 1 year of experience culturing cephalopods.
• 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 A. bandense for multiple generations.
• Plumbing, carpentry, and electric skills.
• Surgical or microdissection experience.
• Previous experience training and supervising staff.
• Familiarity with 3D printing and/or laser cutting.
• 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.