The Shawber laboratory in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology is recruiting a Staff Associate II or Staff Associate III for a currently open position. We are seeking an outstanding, self-motivated staff scientist to join our energetic, collaborative, and goal-oriented team that studies blood and lymphatic development and congenital vascular disorders. We use a combination of conditional transgenic mouse models, in vitro cell culture systems, and xenograft models to understand the genes that function in the blood and lymphatic vasculature and the genetic causes of congenital vascular anomalies.  Interested individuals must be able to multitask and work independently. Those with a background in molecular biology, developmental biology, vascular biology, and/or molecular genetics are encouraged to apply. The Shawber lab is currently supported by the NIH, DOD, and Foundations.

Specific skills for Staff Associate II (SAII) or Staff Associate III (SAIII):

• Functional Knowledge –

           SAII: Research subject specifically within own function

           SAIII: Understanding of how functions inter-relate and support the broader                                   research

• Problem Solving –

           SAII: Moderately complex situations, experimental problem solving based on                              education/experience

           SAIII: Strong analytical skills to solve complex problems and develop new                                     protocols based on education/experience and analysis of multiple sources

• Decision Making/Autonomy –

           SAII: Carries out research projects with limited PI supervision both collaboratively                        and independently

           SAIII: Works independently under minimal supervision on complex assignments                           that require a high degree of initiative and independent judgment

• Technical Expertise –        

            SAII: Ability to perform research methods once trained      

            SAIII: Broad understanding of research techniques, software and instruments                              used in project

• Communication –

           SAII: Summarizes and explains information to others and contribute to publications

           SAIII: Ability to translate information to general terms and help others understand                        impact of the information; assists PI in preparation of publications, including                        funding proposals, manuscripts, and other research-oriented documentation

At Columbia University Medical Center, we stand together because diverse experiences, perspective, and values enrich every dimension of our work. Join our team and see how your unique skills and experiences can create a real impact by changing lives.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee mouse colony: Breeding/Documentation/Genotyping/Animal procedures
• Isolation/characterization of human primary endothelial cells
• Tissue isolation/processing
• Conduct DNA, RNA and protein extractions from cells and tissues
• Conduct bacteria transformation and plasmid isolation
• Oversee lab data management
• Perform, document, and analyze  qRT-PCR, FACs, ELISAs, Western blotting and immunofluorescence/immunohistochemical staining.
• Maintain and request repair services for equipment
• Maintenance and ordering laboratory supplies
• Documentation of reagents, supplies, cells, and specimens 
• Oversee and train junior lab members
• Support research of senior lab members
• Perform related duties necessary for the laboratory/research projects

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences and 4 years experience (SAII)/4-6 years (SAIII) 
• Molecular Biology background
• Experience handling mice and maintaining colony
• Ability to manage and analyze complex research projects
• Strong analytic, organizational, and time management skills
• Experience working independently in a Basic Science Laboratory

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in biology or related science
• Experience primary cell isolation/culturing and microbiology techniques

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is dedicated to the goal of building a multicultural faculty and staff committed to teaching, working and serving in a diverse community, and strongly encourages applications from candidates of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

We are continuously seeking to recruit individuals who will enhance the diversity of our workplace and the effectiveness of our organization.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

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.

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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