The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain and the Division of Translational Neurobiology in the Department of Neurology is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Staff Associate I with expertise in sample processing, coordination, and data management in clinical research. This position is ideal for someone with a Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience or a related field, and a strong background in managing clinical sample workflows, data collection, and coordination for large-scale research projects. Some flexibility in work schedule may be required based on study timelines and operational needs.

Responsibilities:

• Sample Processing and Coordination:
  Plan, manage, and coordinate the workflow for processing and handling clinical samples, including PBMC and CSF, following strict protocols. Ensure that all samples meet quality standards for viability, cell counts, and preservation, and are appropriately documented for future use.
• Clinical Sample Management:
  Oversee the lifecycle of clinical samples from receipt through processing and banking, ensuring adherence to quality assurance and control measures. Work closely with clinical teams to ensure accurate documentation and traceability of samples. Lead efforts to address any operational issues, such as equipment failures, sample damage, or staffing shortages, ensuring smooth lab operations.
• Single-Cell Sequencing Coordination:
  Organize and submit processed clinical samples for single-cell sequencing, ensuring they are prepared, thawed, and hashed under strict protocols. Facilitate the submission of single-cell sequencing samples to the Core Facility, and coordinate with investigators and core labs for data acquisition.
• Data and Regulatory Compliance:
  Oversee the management of clinical data, ensuring accurate documentation and secure transfer of information to computational teams for analysis. Coordinate regulatory documentation and compliance for national single IRB research projects, tracking and ensuring adherence to protocols across multiple research sites.
• Study Oversight and Communication:
  Serve as a key liaison between the research team, clinical coordinators, and data teams. Provide leadership in maintaining smooth communication and ensuring the accuracy of study processes. Actively participate in study meetings, presenting progress updates and discussing any challenges or concerns.
• Problem Solving and Troubleshooting:
  Lead efforts to troubleshoot operational issues, including sample quality discrepancies, equipment failures, and other challenges that may arise in the clinical study. Identify potential solutions and implement corrective actions to ensure continuous progress and data integrity.
• Project Management:                                                                      Facilitate the completion of sample processing and data acquisition for large cohorts, with a specific focus on clinical populations such as ALS and aging-related diseases. Manage project timelines, ensuring milestones are met and that study targets are achieved under budget and on schedule

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field and 4 years experience preferred
• Strong background in clinical research, particularly in the processing and management of patient-derived biological samples (e.g., PBMC, CSF) for sequencing or other molecular analyses.
• Experience in sample processing, single-cell sequencing protocols, and ensuring compliance with strict laboratory and regulatory standards.
• Experience coordinating multi-site studies, managing sample workflows, and troubleshooting operational challenges.
• Knowledge of database management systems and familiarity with clinical data tracking, including regulatory and compliance documentation.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with team members, clinical staff, and researchers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating sound judgment and discretion in managing sensitive data and patient samples.

Preferred Qualifcations:

• Master of Science (MS) degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field (must have been obtained by the time of application).
• Previous involvement in clinical trials or research studies related to aging, dementia, or neurodegenerative diseases.
• Experience working with bioinformatics or computational teams for data analysis.
• Familiarity with software tools such as Apricot, LONI, and iLab for study management and data tracking.

Additional Skills:

• Proactive problem-solver with a genuine curiosity about scientific processes and a passion for improving research workflows and outcomes.
• Experience managing large datasets and ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

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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