"Staff Associate I"

The Staff Associate I in the lab of Dr. Gill in Department of Neurosurgery will study the crosstalk between tumor cells and neurons with a focus on how these interactions influence tumor growth, existing neural circuits, and neuroplasticity. Techniques employed in the lab include chemogenetic neuromodulation, murine mouse models, primary cell culture, human and murine ex-vivo slice culture, microelectrode recordings, and in vivo imaging.

Duties

• Breeding and weaning of mice, mouse surgeries, extraction of genomic DNA, performing genotyping PCRs and updating mouse colonies.
• Maintain laboratory environment and assists in the upkeep of appropriate inventory; including ordering of supplies.
• Assist in the collection, analysis, and review of experimental data for publication and presentation.
• Conducts routine and standardized experiments and assays required to support research studies.
• Collaborate with researchers in Department of Systems Biology, Neurology, Neuropathology, and Neuroscience.

Functional Knowledge

• Knowledge of the research subject and scientific methods of analysis.
• Must have knowledge and experience in cell culture, animal handling, animal surgery and laboratory management.

Problem Solving

• Utilizes analytical skills to solve moderately complex problems based on guidelines, protocols, and procedures.
• Monitor/solve problems that might arise during daily operations in the lab.
• Troubleshooting during experiments with limited supervision.

Decision Making/Autonomy

Level of supervision required, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most): 5

• Will meet with Dr. Gill once a week to discuss research progress. Will interact with other researchers in the lab on a daily basis

Degree of independent judgment expected, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most): 5

• Will be expected to conduct his own experiments and to present his results to the group.

Leadership

• Good leadership skills will be important for carrying out collaborative research efforts.

Technical Expertise

• Bench experience with laboratory techniques including DNA isolation, PCR and cell culture.
• Experience with animal models and transgenic mice.

Communication Skills

• Excellent written communication skills to clearly record data, maintain protocols, present results.
• Shares and collaborates within lab and with collaborators in other departments.

Special Indicators

Laboratory animal use or contact with laboratory animal, including

• Work with animals or animal body parts.
• Animal husbandry.
• Work with human specimens (cells, body fluids, etc) in conjunction with animal studies.

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.

4 Years of experience.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

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.