Career Center

The Zhang lab at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center Eye Institute is seeking a full time Staff Associate.  Our projects are aiming to use gene therapy to tackle inherited retinal disorders (IRDs).  Research approaches include CRISPR/genome editing, in vivo studies mouse models.

Responsibilities:

Provides general laboratory assistance to support research activities. Conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols. Performs assignments that are non-routine and vary in complexity with minimal direction. Compiles data and computes results for a variety of research procedures, tests and techniques.

Maintaining in vitro cultures, mice colony maintenance and procedures with mice such as injections and surgeries, experiments with animal tissues, samples collection and maintaining records. Performing characterization of retinal function and structure in rodent models (ERG, OCT, fundoscopy, behavior testing), gene therapy and/or virology.

Preparing buffers, media, and running the in vitro and in vivo assays. Cell and molecular biology experiments related to DNA, RNA and protein from cell, animal or clinical specimen.

Maintaining records of the experimental results, data management, ordering supplies and updating the inventory, organizing lab and regular maintenance of equipment. Discussions with the supervisors for project updates. Prepare presentations for internal and external meetings.

Read scientific literature, participate in journal club and present data in team and group meetings.
 

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor degree in Biology related field.

Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols.

Ability to work with animal experiment is a MUST.

Knowledge of computer analysis techniques and ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data.

Good communication skills are essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

Four years of research experience in basic science or ophthalmology research
 

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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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