Research Staff Assistant in the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
• Salary Range: $54,000 - $54,000

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 research staff assistant will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher and report directly to the Principal Investigator to conduct laboratory experiments and data analysis on a project studying the neural basis of innate behaviors in Drosophila. This position provides the opportunity to participate in the vibrant intellectual community of the Zuckerman Institute, located at the Jerome L. Greene Science Center on Columbia's Manhattanville campus. The Axel lab is a leader in uncovering the neural circuits and mechanisms underlying instinctive behaviors, bridging cutting-edge neurobiology and behavior research. We seek someone who is eager to learn, enthusiastic about our science, organized, and responsible.

This is a full-time grant-funded role.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Under the direction of the PI, design and implement virtual reality assays to study Drosophila behavior.
• Under minimal supervision, perform data collection and advanced behavioral and imaging data analysis.
• Under minimal supervision, conduct animal husbandry and manage experimental crosses in Drosophila.
• Under minimal supervision, develop and troubleshoot software tools using Python, MATLAB, and/or R.
• Maintain organized and detailed laboratory records to ensure data integrity.
• Under the direction of the PI and Postdoctoral Research Scientist, collaborate on the assembly and testing of devices interfacing computers and experimental apparatus.
• Assist with administrative and documentation tasks related to experiments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in neuroscience, ecology, evolutionary biology, or another related area of science is required.
• 2 years of experience and/or its equivalent is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Drosophila or other insect research is highly valued. Familiarity with other small model systems, such as zebrafish or C. elegans, is also advantageous.
• Proficiency in programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar language) and familiarity with electrical engineering (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or robotics) are highly desirable.
• Experience with molecular biology, histology, or micro-dissection is beneficial but not required.
• The ideal candidate must show an ability to work independently with accuracy and attention to detail while maintaining strong organizational skills and excellent documentation.
• Must possess strong organizational skills, keep excellent notes, show sound judgment, and communicate progress effectively within a diverse and dynamic team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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