Research Staff Assistant

• 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 at Columbia University has a rich history of pioneering research and education, contributing significantly to genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience. Today, it continues to advance scientific knowledge with cutting-edge research and a commitment to fostering innovation in biological sciences. 

The Research Staff Assistant will assist in ongoing experiments in the Kalderon Lab, a Drosophila molecular genetics laboratory. Duties will include essential support work for the lab's function (primarily connected to the maintenance of many Drosophila stocks) and participation in specific research projects, as directed by the principal investigator, Dr. Daniel Kalderon.

This position is subject to grant funding.

Please include a statement of how the position would fit into your career plans and why you would excel in the advertised position in the supporting document file. This statement will be a major basis for review and proceeding to the next step.

Responsibilities

• Passing Drosophila stocks: Files from old vials are carefully knocked into new vials with matching labels. Vials with insufficient or unhealthy flies are flagged, moved to a different location, and given extra attention until they are healthy again.
• Preparing Drosophila food vials weekly: A prescribed mixture of reagents is combined, heated in a steam kettle, and disbursed into individual vials in a room with dedicated equipment. After cooling overnight, trays of vials are packaged to avoid drying out during the following week.
• Maintaining lab equipment, ordering supplies, promoting lab safety practices, and adhering to regulations. This involves coordinating with departmental and university administrators of regulations and repairs.
• Assisting in specific research projects: The overall project and the particular techniques involved will depend on the progress status and will be directed by the principal investigator. Techniques may include Drosophila genetics, microscopic dissection and staining of developing tissues, confocal microscopy and quantitative scoring of cell behaviors, DNA cloning, and protein interaction studies. Ongoing projects include analysis of adult stem cell behavior regulation and the mechanism of cellular communication through the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a scientific discipline.
• A minimum of one year of experience in a research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior lab experience in microscopic dissection, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy.
• Experience working with Drosophila is highly favored.

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.
• Works well in an interactive team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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