• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $44,800-$45,000

Position Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences is seeking a Research Staff Assistant to work on a project investigating mutant-specific genetic vulnerabilities in SF3B1-mutant cancer cells. The role of the successful candidate will involve recombinant DNA technology, cell culture, RNA and protein purification, and mechanistic follow-up experiments to understand how spliceosome-driven missplicing rewires essential pathways involved in cell growth control. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a translational cancer biology project at the interface of splicing, genome-scale screening, and therapeutic vulnerability discovery.

This role is subject to grant funding.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting research on RNA splicing factor mutations and their effects on cancer cell models. This includes DNA, RNA, and protein isolation from cultured human cells/tissues and analysis by sequencing, PCR, co-IP, and/or Western blot as appropriate.
• Maintain stock of laboratory supplies and assist with general lab upkeep.
• Interface with EH&S to ensure lab compliance with University and New York guidelines.
• Manage chemical and biohazard waste disposal under the direction of the PI.
• Perform related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.
• One (1) year of experience in a research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of laboratory work and demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture and core molecular biology techniques.
• Experience performing functional validation assays, including proliferation, competition, cell cycle, apoptosis, western blotting, qPCR, and/or flow cytometry.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical interpretation of biological experiments; experience analyzing high-throughput or screening data is strongly preferred.
• Ability to generate clear, publication-quality figures and perform quantitative image analysis.
• Strong organizational skills, including rigorous documentation of experimental procedures and results.

Other Requirements

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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