• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 12/23/2025
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $23.00-$23.85/hour

Position Summary

This one-year grant-funded Research Assistant will manage our cell culture facility and assist and perform (1) work with animal and cancer models and (2) molecular biology techniques, including bacteria.

Responsibilities

(85%) Assist in overseeing the functioning of the cell/tissue culture (TC) facility in the laboratory by:

• Restocking and maintaining TC inventory weekly.
• Placing orders for TC consumables.
• Cleaning and maintenance of two TC hoods and two C02 incubators, as well as scheduling yearly technical repairs and maintenance of this equipment.
• Keeping stock of liquid nitrogen levels.
• Making FBS stocks and preparing 70% ethanol stocks
  • Have experience in:
    • Cell culture: Sterile technique, passaging and maintenance of cell lines and primary cells, media/FBS preparation, cryopreservation, familiar with microscopy.

(10%) Work with animal and cancer models:

• Animal studies: Cancer models, subcutaneous/intravenous/intraperitoneal injections, surgical techniques, anesthesia, IVIS imaging, mouse colony management.

(5%) Help with general molecular biology techniques, including bacteria:

• Molecular biology techniques: restriction digest, PCR, quantitative PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, mutagenesis, Gibson assembly, etc.
• Bacteria culture: Sterile technique, maintenance of bacterial strains, LB broth, transformations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor?s Degree required and Master?s degree in Biology or a closely related scientific field with knowledge in general microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology techniques, and animal studies preferred.
• Other requirements (at least one year of experience):
  • The ability to work independently, under minimal supervision, following appropriate training.
  • Knowledge of basic chemical and/or biological terminology and techniques.
  • Experience with animal studies.
  • Ability to perform work in a neat and orderly manner in accordance with safety regulations.
  • Computer literacy: proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Excellent motivation, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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