Research Staff Assistant

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: commensurate with experience

Position Summary

The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University brings together researchers from different scientific disciplines to transform our understanding of the mind and brain. In this highly interactive research environment, laboratories work together to gain critical insights into human health by exploring how the brain develops, performs, endures, and recovers. The Zuckerman Institute is housed in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, an architectural masterpiece on Columbia University's new Manhattanville campus.

The Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as a Research Staff Assistant working in our ICM Vivarium Facility located in the Jerome L. Green Science Center. The Research Staff Assistant will report to the Operations Lead and will be responsible for providing husbandry support to the Institute.

The ICM / Vivarium Facility is a 7 day a week operation. Applicants must have weekend and evening availability. The Animal Husbandry is an essential personnel role.

Responsibilities

• Perform husbandry and assist with technical procedures and environmental monitoring in accordance with facility standards and compliance with university guidelines.
• Identify and report any issues with facility standards and on the wellness of the facility occupants, conduct morning and evening observations.
• Provide food and hydration as well as operation of necessary cleaning systems for the upkeep of vivarium and individual spaces (cleaning, organizing and inspecting conditions at all times)
• Responsible for the scheduling of procedures and projects.
• Restock supplies and ensure rooms are prepared for daily maintenance as well as receiving of new occupants. Perform identification of new occupants, providing appropriate housing and identification.
• Participate in ongoing employee training programs with special emphasis on safety and health training and safe work practices and use of personal protective equipment. Ensure adherence with safety, compliance, and research related protocols.
• Additional duties as assigned or necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
• Minimum of six (6) months of related experience
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred knowledge of the following equipment: autoclaves, automatic conveyor belt cleaning systems, disposal of waste materials.
•  Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ideal candidate must possess sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• The candidate should have experience with mechanical machinery and operations and be able to perform physical labor involving the breaking down and setting up of heavy caging.
• The candidate is highly encouraged to sit and pass the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level after one year of employment

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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