Career Center

The Miller Lab at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has openings for two (2) Postdoctoral Research Scientist positions with expertise in the field of exposomics, metabolomics, mass spectrometry, or bioinformatics. 

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will assist the Principal Investigator in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences.  Duties assigned require an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field, process, or discipline related to the ongoing research of the Principal Investigator.  General duties involve organizing and implementing complex research plans, developing research methods and procedures, collecting and analyzing data, and writing reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content.  All research activities will be conducted in accordance to the policies and standard practices of Columbia University.

Responsibilities include:

• Design, organize, and conduct highly specialized and advanced experiments (20%).
• Plan and conduct day-to-day experimental activities related to assigned research projects (15%).
• Design and implement research protocols; establish safety procedures; design new procedures, methods or instrumentation processes (5%).
• Conduct, collect, and analyze research data; create detailed documentation of experiments and research data (15%).
• Use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data at conferences and for manuscript preparation (10%).
• Conduct scientific literature research to design new protocols and to prepare publications in scientific journals (10%).
• Assist in preparation of grant applications (10%).
• Prepare media and other reagents for experimental procedures, perform quality control and maintain equipment (5%).
• Provide supervision and guidance to staff, technicians, students, and researchers (5%)
• Performs all other duties as assigned (5%).

Minimum Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in the appropriate field or the foreign equivalent is required.
• Thorough knowledge of the theories, techniques, and methods used in current laboratory assays or bioinformatic analyses in the appropriate field.
• Knowledge and skill with computers and other statistical software as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, researchers, staff and other personnel. Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills and work as team player.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other research institutions.
• Ability to complete all training and certification in compliance with the policies of the Columbia University and federal and state regulations.
• Prior experience with mass spectrometry, exposomics, and/or metabolomics.
• Prior experience studying environmental contributors to health.
• Ability to organize and prioritize within a changing environment. Demonstrate initiative and attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot protocols
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

This successful applicant will be able to make substantial contributions to the fields of exposomics and metabolomics. It is expected that the applicant will have experience analyzing complex mass spectrometry data, it is possible that other bioinformatic skills could provide the necessary skillset.

Hiring Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

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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