Job Description

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
• Salary Range: $48,000 - $55,000

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.

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 supporting 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 Bendesky Lab studies the genetic and neuronal bases of behavior and its evolution. It has discovered mechanisms underlying the evolution of monogamous behaviors in rodents including parenting, it has recently sequenced the Siamese fighting fish genome, and it has developed tools to manipulate its genome and found the genetic bases of many of its phenotypic traits. More information about the lab can be found in the lab???s web page and the Zuckerman Institute lab page .

Under the direction and supervision from the postdoctoral researcher, this role will work on techniques to map, observe, and manipulate neural circuits using cutting-edge methods including optogenetics and genetically encoded calcium indicators. The project will focus on a series of experiments studying mind-body connections in mice - investigating how the CNS regulates epinephrine and the physiological response to stress.

The Research Staff Assistant will have the unique experience of working in a collaborative environment supporting the mission of the laboratory while gaining exposure to benchwork, data collection, and analysis, as well as lab management.

See for more details.

This is a full-time grant funded role.

Responsibilities

• Assists in performing techniques such as histology, confocal microscopy, stereotaxic surgery, behavioral paradigms, and video analysis using machine learning tools.
• Under close supervision, employing techniques required to map neural circuits including tissue preparation, imaging on a confocal or scanning fluorescent microscope, and running programs to produce whole brain and whole spine reconstructions.
• Under close supervision, employing techniques required for behavioral experiments including mouse handling, data collection, record keeping, and analyzing behavioral experiments.
• Duties will also include basic husbandry to maintain mouse colony.
• Assists with administrative and documentation of tasks related to experiments.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor???s degree in neuroscience, biology, or other related basic science areas is required, and a minimum of one (1) year of related research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

This role will be particularly beneficial for candidates interested in pursuing a career in science or medicine.

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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