Job Description

Columbia University Irving Medical Center: Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons: Systems Biology

 Website

Position Summary

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 vivoimaging.

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 (Must equal 10)

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.

 Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field
• 4 Years of experience

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