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

Company: Columbia University
Location: New York
Posted on: May 13, 2025

Job Description:

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
  
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
  
• Hours Per Week: 35
  
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
  
• Salary Range: $54,000 - $54,000
  
  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 unites world-class scientists across diverse academic disciplines to conduct groundbreaking research that transforms our understanding of the brain and its influence on the mind and behavior.
  As a leading neuroscience institute, our mission is to decipher the mind and brain to better understand behavior. Our researchers are committed to foundational science, uncovering the principles that shape how the brain develops, functions, and recovers.
  With more than 50 labs, the Zuckerman Institute serves as a hub for collaboration, bringing together Columbia's top scholars to drive research in bold new directions.
  Located in Manhattanville, our state-of-the-art Jerome L. Greene Science Center provides an inspiring home for discovery in one of the world's most dynamic 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:
  

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• 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
  
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  • 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
    
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    • 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.
      

Keywords: Columbia University, Scranton , Research Staff Assistant in the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Other , New York, Pennsylvania