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

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 Cagewash Technician is an essential personnel role.

Responsibilities

• Clean, sanitize, and sterilize equipment using an automated sanitizing system. Operation of rack and tunnel washers.
• Dispose of waste in compliance with university, federal, and state regulations. Supporting a sanitary environment by assisting with cleaning throughout the facility. Adherence with sanitation and sterilization schedules for vivarium and facility spaces.
• Perform minor or preventative maintenance on equipment. Observe and report any necessary equipment repair or damage.
• Perform inventory related duties including the movement/delivery of feed with the use of racks, carts, dollies, and other equipment.
• Refilling of water bottles and other stocking needs as assigned.
• 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

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Six (6) months of experience working within a vivarium or similar facility
• Must be able to work with various cleaning and sanitizing chemicals.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred knowledge of the following equipment: autoclaves, automated conveyor belt cleaning systems, disposal of waste materials.
• The ideal candidate must possess sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• Candidate should have experience with mechanical machinery and operations and be able to perform physical labor involving the breaking down and setting up heavy caging.
• It is highly recommended that the candidate 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.

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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