Research Staff Assistant - NYC Staffing : Job Details

The Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University has a rich history of pioneering research and education, contributing significantly to genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience. Today, it continues to advance scientific knowledge with cutting-edge research and a commitment to fostering innovation in biological sciences.

This position will assist the Duvall Lab, within the Department of Biological Sciences, with its research by using cutting-edge genetic and pharmacological techniques to study the regulation of blood-feeding and mating behaviors in mosquitoes. Key responsibilities include insectary maintenance, rearing and genotyping transgenic mosquito lines, molecular biology approaches to validate experimental lines, maintaining lab inventory and supplies, and carrying out behavioral experiments. The Research Staff Assistant will interact with the PI, scientific staff, and trainees in a collaborative, fast-paced, and exciting research group.

This is a grant-funded one year, full-time, temporary position.

Responsibilities:

• Perform mosquito rearing and insectary maintenance.
• Maintain lab inventory and supplies.
• Assist with molecular biology experiments to genotype transgenic lines (PCR).
• Assist with fluorescence microscopy for isolating and screening transgenic mosquitoes.
• Curate mosquito strains.
• Perform routine lab techniques including behavioral assays.
• Perform related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.
• One (1) year of experience in a research environment.

Other Requirements:

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related field with familiarity in basic molecular biology techniques: DNA and RNA extractions, PCR, and cloning.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.