Research Staff Assistant

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

The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology ( E3B ) emphasizes a multidisciplinary perspective to understand life on Earth from the level of organisms to global processes that sustain humanity and all life. E3B's mission is to educate a new generation of scientists and practitioners in the theory and methods of ecology, evolution, and environmental biology.

The Research Staff Assistant position reports to Associate Professor Kira Delmore, who is the PI on the NIH grant. The incumbent will carry out much of the molecular data collection for this work that is focused on the molecular basis of behavioral traits and their contribution to speciation.

This is a part-time role contingent on grant funding.

Responsibilities

• Collect molecular data, including extracting DNA, conducting PCRs and preparing next generation sequencing libraries.
• Collect data in dry lab, including preparing samples for stable isotope analysis.
• Organize and maintain the laboratory.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High-school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0-3 months experience in a research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• Experience working in a molecular lab including maintenance, DNA extraction, and PCR techniques.
• Experience with data processing and management with the R platform.

Other Requirements

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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