Research Assistant

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Black Building
• Salary Range: Minimum: $61,692.40 - Maximum: $61,692.40

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

• Analyze environmental and biological samples across a variety of matrices using established laboratory technologies including, but not limited to, chromatographic separation techniques and various detection methods such as photometry and mass spectrometry HPLC and ICP/MS.
• Perform routine equipment checks, troubleshooting and maintenance according to laboratory protocols.
• Follow 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 assist in the development of new sample preparation methods while displaying good laboratory technique to avoid cross-contamination under trace and ultra-trace analyte level conditions.
• Prepare calibration standards 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.
• Work collaboratively with the laboratory team to meet project and reporting deadlines.
• Contribute ideas that improve analytical workflows, efficiency and data quality
• 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, biology, environmental science or a related field, with at least 1.5 years of relevant laboratory experience or equivalent in education and training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant knowledge of various related laboratory procedures and techniques preferred.
• Experience in working with analytical instrumentation hard- and software.
• 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.