Research Technician B

The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY is looking for a smart, meticulous, and dedicated individual to work as a full-time Technician B in a cell biology, microscopy, and genetics research laboratory (2-year commitment required).

The Canman lab is seeking a candidate for a full-time lab Technician B position, reporting directly to the Principal Investigator. The selectee will help maintain the lab and conduct experiments in a basic biomedical science research laboratory studying the molecular mechanisms of cell division.  Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: generation and maintenance of C. elegans stocks and general worm husbandry; carrying out fully-planned experiments to generate data for publication; presentation of results from experimental results to the lab; utilization and maintenance of light and stereo microscopes; generation of cell and molecular biology reagents; general research support, including preparing solutions, plates, and generating other reagents; set up, calibration, and maintenance of lab equipment; maintaining lab safety; routine reporting and protocols to ensure compliance to all safety regulations; careful record-keeping of experiments, data entry, and data backup; preservation, organization, and distribution of shared stocks of reagents and strains; training of personnel in the use of equipment and research technologies; duties necessary to the management and maintenance of lab infrastructure, such as cleaning and organization of space and ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies and chemicals; and other related duties as required, including assisting the Principal Investigator with administrative support.  

-       Carrying out fully-planned experiments, analysis of results, and figure preparation (50%) 

-       Preparing plates, reagents, and solutions for the lab according to detailed instructions (20%)

-       General research support, including generating worm strains and other reagents, setting up and calibrating equipment, and maintaining lab safety (15%)

-       Keeping precise records of experimental protocols/results and preparation of lab reagents (5%)

-       Ordering and maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies (5%)

-       Performing other related duties necessary for efficient laboratory function (5%)

Requires a bachelor’s degree in biology, genetics, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or related science or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must have research experience in a laboratory.  

Also required:  excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills; experience working with computers, standard office and lab software, and databases; high level of organization; attention to detail; neat and legible handwriting; time management skills; motivation and dedication to research work; ability to listen to and follow through with instructions from the Principal Investigator; ability to work in a highly independent and self-directed manner as well as in a team environment; and the ability to work in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures. Some weekend and evening hours will be required.

Prior experience working with the round worm Caenorhabditis elegans, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae,mammalian cultured cells, and/or with molecular biology techniques is preferred but not required. Experience with light microscopy, cell biology, and/or genetics is preferred but not required. Proficiency in working with computers and basic office and laboratory software is also preferred but not required. 

The person in this position will directly and indirectly supervise activities of high school and undergraduate students or other volunteers in the lab, but their supervisory authority does not include the right to hire, fire, and/or promote subordinates.

This position works with: chemicals, lasers (visible and infrared).  Occasionally the work may also include: formaldehyde.