• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: October 31, 2023
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $45,100 - $45,100

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 laboratory of Dr. John T. Vaughan at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute has an open position for a highly motivated full-time temporary Research Staff Assistant to assist working in a cutting-edge neuroscience laboratory. The Research Staff Assistant will report to Dr. Jia Guo and will work with a team of researchers at Columbia University that process MRI data.

This is a full-time temporary grant funded role until October 31, 2023.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct MRI processing with in-house developed software pipeline
• Process structural and functional MRI scans
• Ability to handle animals and set up in-vivo experiments
• Perform tasks with animal subject including training in behavior tasks and imaging
• Performs image assessment for QA activities related to common MRI based hardware or software errors
• Educate new users about MRI imaging systems
• Perform troubleshooting and demonstrate skills with customer-centric and scientific thinking and teaching skills
• Training staff on lab procedures, techniques and performs other duties as assigned
• Collect and organize project results and prepare materials for academic paper writing
• Assist with administrative and documentation relating to experiments

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline is required or experience equivalent required.

2 years of experience or more is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Specific knowledge of the operating software for BioSpec MRI systems desirable.

Understanding the structural and functional changes in MRI of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and aging.

The ideal candidate must show an ability to work independently with accuracy and attention to detail. They must be flexible in nature and exhibit a willingness to learn new techniques and function in a fast-paced and changing work environment. They must possess strong organizational skills, keep excellent notes, show sound judgment, and have a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation as well as the ability to work independently within a diverse and dynamic team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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