• 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: $40,788 - $48,000

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 is developing genetic manipulation tools to study neuroscience and evo-devo questions in Betta fish and is looking for someone to further these goals. The position can be viewed as stepping-stone to further education, with previous incumbents having continued to top PhD programs. The position will allow for the incumbent to develop a research project and learn and apply multiple research techniques.

Starting in August 2024, the initial appointment will be for a year with the possibility of an extension. Applicants should submit a cover letter indicating their interest, a CV including any publications, and the contact information for 2 (preferably 3) faculty level referees.

This is a full-time grant-funded role.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following duties under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator:

• Organize and provide care to the fish colony.
• Design, optimize, and execute cloning and injection of fish embryos to manipulate their genome.
• Perform histology, fluorescence microscopy, DNA and RNA extractions, genotyping.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment and inventory (including ordering supplies).
• Assist projects of other members of the lab when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field.
• At least six months of experience in a related environment.
• The ideal candidate must show a keen curiosity for science and research, and an ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail. They must be flexible in nature and exhibit a willingness to learn new techniques and function in a fast-paced and changing work environment. They must possess strong organizational skills, keep excellent notes, show sound judgment, and have a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation as well as the ability to work independently within a diverse and dynamic team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fish husbandry and genetics, as well as histology techniques including in situ hybridization are desirable but not required, but must be comfortable working with fish.
• This role will be particularly beneficial for candidates interested in pursuing a career in science or medicine.