Career Center

The Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center (CAC) seeks a highly qualified and motived researcher for an Associate Research Scientist position to participate in the research underway in its Science of Health division. The successful candidate will work with a collaborative, diverse, and multidisciplinary team of researchers under the direction of Dr. Alan Cohen, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences (in CAC).  The selected Associate Research Scientist will collaborate on and coordinate multiple projects, mostly involving data analysis and management, and will be an engaged team member and partner in the science.

The Cohen lab is interested in understanding how our bodies maintain their internal equilibrium over time, and how loss of this equilibrium contributes to the aging process. The lab applies complex systems theory and statistics to epidemiological and clinical biomarker data to understand how the dynamics and ensembles of the markers reveal underlying health status. The lab then generates new indices of health that can be used to relate health/aging to lifestyle, psychology, social factors, and environment.

The Cohen lab prioritizes potential to grow into the position over formal qualifications. We offer excellent working conditions in a collegial and flexible environment, including coaching on career development. We will ensure excellent work-life balance of team members, with potential for flexible hours and some degree of hybrid work.

The successful Associate Research Scientist will be responsible for:

• Participation in the interpretation of results and proposing additional analyses
• Conceptualization of new project directions and of supporting elements within projects
• Statistical analysis of datasets using software such as R or Python, including thinking critically about results and re-running as needed. Common analyses include correlations, linear/logistic/Poisson regression, multi-level models, survival analysis, principal components analysis, meta-analyses, simulations, and looped analyses to systematically run thousands of permutations on a given analysis
• Management of a database containing multiple cohort studies that we use for the study, including ensuring data security.
• Data cleaning, manipulation, and troubleshooting; preparation of descriptive analyses
• Management of daily tasks for the group – preparation of research protocols, data transfer agreements, etc.
• Literature reviews on relevant subjects
• Help in preparing grant applications and manuscripts for submission
• Other duties as assigned

Accordingly, minimum qualifications include:

• Ph.D in biostatistics, epidemiology, systems biology, demography, economics, or another relevant quantitative field
• Evidence of statistical skills (multi-level models, Bayesian analysis, etc.), bioinformatics skills and/or mathematical and computational skills
• Ability to work comfortably and fluently in R or Python, or a demonstrated ability to learn very quickly (e.g., mastery of other programming language and excellent knowledge of statistics)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong written communication skills
• Experience with research operations including grant submission and academic publishing
• Potential to write scientific articles or portions of grants independently

Preferred qualifications include:

• Knowledge of relevant subject matter (some combination of aging, physiology, biochemistry, demography, epidemiology, immunology, complex systems theory, ecology, evolutionary biology, anthropology)
• Database management skills, including knowledge of SQL
• Proven track record of scientific publications and successful grant submissions
• Experience working in an NIH-funded lab
• Ability to manage social media for the lab, as well as the lab website
• Ability to bring a new or diverse perspective to the research

Additional option to submit 1-2 publications to demonstrate skills and interest.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

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.

About Columbia University

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