Research Staff Assistant

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Research Staff Assistant to join a cutting-edge neuroscience laboratory. This role involves conducting behavioral and genetic experiments on Drosophila melanogaster to explore sensory integration and motor control. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Located in the vibrant heart of New York City, this role promises a dynamic atmosphere for scientific discovery, where your contributions can make a significant impact in understanding human health and behavior.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant scientific or engineering field required.
• Minimum one year of related experience in a research environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and run behavioral or electrophysiological protocols.
• Create transgenic fly lines and maintain fly stocks.
• Collect and analyze data using Matlab, Excel, and/or Python.

Skills

Behavioral experiments

Genetic experiments

Data analysis

Electrophysiology

Drosophila genetics

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field

Tools

Matlab

Excel

Python

Job description

• 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: $45,200 - $55,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute brings together world-class scientists across academic disciplines conducting pioneering research to transform our understanding of how the brain works - and gives rise to mind and behavior. The Institute fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment across 50+ labs, advancing insights into human health by exploring how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers.

At the Zuckerman Institute, we are committed to becoming a more inclusive, equitable and diverse place of scientific discovery and support a culture of respect. Promoting diversity in science will help drive the transformative science that can change the world.

Situated in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center on Columbia's Manhattanville campus, the state-of-the-art building offers an environment where the highest level of scholarly scientific research takes place on a daily basis, with the benefit of being located in the heart of New York, one of the world's most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

The laboratory of Huston 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 Research Staff Assistant is to perform behavioral and genetic experiments on Drosophila melanogaster to understand the integration of visual and proprioceptive sensory inputs and their consequences for motor control.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the PI, develop and run behavioral or electrophysiological protocols that measure how visual and proprioceptive inputs influence motor behavior in the flies.


• Creating transgenic fly lines, crosses and maintaining fly stocks.


• Collecting and analyzing data using Matlab, Excel, and/or Python.


• Document and train other lab members in lab protocols.


• Help with general lab maintenance.

Minimum Qualifications

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


• A minimum one (1) year of related experience in a research environment is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 
  

  Applicants with previous experience working with sensory or motor systems are especially encouraged to apply.

  
  

  Hands-on experience in at least two 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.