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.
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.