Research Assistant

Technical Grade 5

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: Minimum: $59,845.49 Maximum: $59,845.49
  
  

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 Environmental Health Sciences is currently seeking a Research Assistant to join our team. This position will focus on understanding the health effects following exposure to metals and elements from various environmental sources. The successful candidate will be involved in various projects, including sample preparation of biospecimens such as blood, urine, serum, and other tissues. This will involve techniques like microwave-assisted acid digestion. Additionally, the role will encompass instrumental analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and UV/VIS spectrophotometry methodologies. The Research Assistant will also contribute to the improvement of existing analytical methods and the development of new methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes samples consisting of a variety of matrices using traditional laboratory technologies including, but not limited to, chromatographic separation techniques and various detection methods such as photometry and mass spectrometry HPLC and ICP/MS.
• Conducts equipment checks and routine maintenance.
• Follows relevant SOPs and maintains related forms, including documentation of checks and maintenance in instrument maintenance logs.
• Prepare samples for analysis using various routine sample preparation techniques and help develop new sample preparation methods while displaying good laboratory technique to avoid cross-contamination under trace and ultra-trace analyte level conditions.
• Accurately prepare calibration curves and quality control samples and evaluate QC/QA protocols.
• Maintain laboratory equipment by cleaning, and otherwise ensuring ongoing proper working order. Report equipment issues to supervisor.
• Collaborate with the laboratory team to meet reporting deadlines.
• Think critically and creatively on process improvement.
• Support and engage in the training of new staff and students in the laboratory.
• Generate, process, and report analytical data.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology and at least 1.5 years of related experience or equivalent in education and training.
• Significant knowledge of various related laboratory procedures and techniques required.
• Experience in working with analytical instrument hard- and software.
• Solid knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and techniques.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills (writing and verbal) in English.
• Ability to maintain detailed laboratory records.
• ICPMS and HPLC systems is a plus.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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