Research Assistant

Research Assistant

The UEIL is seeking a grant fund (yearly) Research Assistant (RA)/Technician to assist in the day-to-day technical tasks of the laboratory. RA will be responsible for maintaining breeding colonies, running behavioral assays, perfusions, tissue processing for immunohistochemistry, microscopy, sample preparation for qPCR, RNAseq, spatial sequencing including histochemical and biochemical assays. Additional duties and responsibilities include (not limited to) checking and maintaining stocks and solutions in lab, staying up to date with regulatory trainings, and general lab support. We are seeking a motivated individual with a strong background in neuroscience or molecular biology, and strong history of working with small animals in a laboratory setting.

There is potential for growth and opportunities with this position and is to be expected. This is an ideal position for a recent graduate looking to pursue further graduate studies or medical professions.

UEIL is led by Dr. Konofagou, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, we are a translational science lab focused on using ultrasound in the areas of real-time imaging and as a theranostic tool in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This position will be assisting on studies using focused ultrasound in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders as well as support other groups as need.

Responsibilities

• (20%) Assist with mouse colony handling: Breed and maintain transgenic mouse lines; monitor and address animal health reports.
• (20%) Run mouse behavioral experiments; Handling small animals and perfusions.
• (20%) Assist in maintenance of lab safety protocols; Maintain a clean and tidy laboratory environment and upkeep of inventory, including ordering of supplies; equipment maintenance and service contracts; Monitor chemical waste accumulation and schedule waste pickups.
• (15%) Prepare reagents for the lab (e.g., 1X PBS, 70% Ethanol); Sample preparation for qPCR, RNAseq, spatial sequencing, and biochemical assays.
• (10%) Tissue preparation/Imaging: Perform cryostat sectioning and immunohistochemistry; Develop and perform immunohistochemical staining protocols followed by microscopy for the detection of relevant markers.
• (10%) Sample preparation for qPCR, RNAseq, spatial sequencing, and biochemical assays.
• (5%) Performs other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Required: High-school Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Minimum 0-3 months of experience in a research environment or experience handling rodents in a laboratory setting and/or wet-laboratory experience

Skills and Knowledge: The ideal candidate must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, and positively contribute to labs aims and objectives. Strong organization, communication, and computer skills. Ability to prioritize, work independently and under direct supervision from senior lab personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to individuals with prior experience working with independently with animals (i.e. breeding, behavior, surgery) and laboratory experience (can include undergrad volunteering in research lab) in chemistry, biology, physics, or related science, although neuroscience or behavioral psychology is highly preferred; Ability to do basic programming in Python or MATLAB is helpful but not required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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