Research Staff Assistant at Zuckerman Institute

19 April 2023

Research Staff Assistant GRADE: proposed R5

Columbia University’s Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute (Zuckerman Institute) supports interdisciplinary neuroscience research and discovery by scientists and scholars across the university and promises to be the most comprehensive institute for brain science. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, world-class researchers are brought together to transform our understanding of the brain and mind.

The laboratory of Dr. Richard Axel at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute has one (1) open position for a highly motivated Research Staff Assistant to work in a cutting-edge neuroscience laboratory.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Perform Animal Manipulations Including Non-survival and survival surgeries;
  • Perform behavioral training of mice and in vivo electrophysiological recordings; 
  • Read applicable literature as related to the research within the lab;
  • Perform data collection and basic behavioral and imaging data analysis;
  • Assist with administrative and documentation tasks related to experiments. 

Position Requirements:

Working alongside a postdoctoral researcher and reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, the laboratory is interested in studying how olfactory information is represented in the brain and the neural mechanisms that translate these representations into appropriate innate and learned behavioral responses. The candidate will assist with ongoing experiments using genetic and electrophysiological approaches in mice. We seek highly motivated, skilled, and dynamic individuals who are enthusiastic about a career in science. This is a full-time position.

A bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, or other related area of science is required. Familiarity with molecular biology, histology, micro-dissection, or programming (Matlab, Python, or similar language) a plus.

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. For information on application: Email Andrew Fink, Associate Research Scientist, Axel Laboratory, Dept. of Neuroscience, Columbia University, at andrew.jp.fink@gmail.com