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Columbia University

Research Assistant

🇺🇸 New York, NY

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $60K

💻 Research

🗓️ June 11th, 2025

PK

Edtech.com's Summary

Columbia University is hiring a Research Assistant. The role involves conducting research in a cancer biology lab, specifically focusing on gastroesophageal cancer. Responsibilities include performing preclinical studies using various therapeutic methods, managing mouse models, culturing cancer organoids, and analyzing microbiome samples. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for drug studies, tissue processing, and collaborating with scientific partners.
 
Highlights
  • Conduct preclinical studies and manage gastroesophageal cancer models.
  • Perform tissue isolation, culture, and molecular biology experiments.
  • Manage and maintain laboratory mice, including breeding and genotyping.
  • Conduct drug treatment studies and PK analysis.
  • Salary range: $59,845.49 annually.
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree and at least 1.5 years of related experience.
  • Proficiency in tissue culture, molecular biology, and computer skills (Word/Excel).

Research Assistant Full Description

Salary Range: $59,845.49 - $59,845.49
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.
 
Position Summary
The Research Assistant will be responsible for carrying out research under the supervisor's direction in a research lab that is focused on cancer biology, specifically on gastroesophageal cancer. This job will be to perform preclinical studies with a range of therapeutic modalities, oversee multiple mouse models of gastroesophageal cancer, generate and culture gastroesophageal cancer organoids and generate primary cell lines from both primary mouse tumors and deidentified patient tumors. Responsibilites will also include performing drug studies in both mice and organoids.  Other studies include microbiome analysis of murine and patient stool.

Responsibilities
  • Tissue isolation/processing, immunohistochemistry and tissue culture.
  • Basic molecular biology experiments (eg., cloning, RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry).
  • Maintenance and handling of mice including but not limited to mouse breeding and genotyping.
  • Ability to run clinical trials on mice (drug treatment studies, analysis of PK and target engagement).
  • Mouse surgery and generating preclinical models of gastroesophageal cancer.
  • Work with collaborators to develop cellular therapies for cancer models and optimize small molecule delivery platforms.
  • Data processing and analysis.
  • Communication with scientific and clinical collaborators.
  • Generation of oral and written presentations on performed experiments.
  • Participate in scientific conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
  • Ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and at least one and one-half years of related experience or equivalent in education, training and experience. 

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of various related laboratory procedures and techniques.
  • Computer skills including Word/Excel.
  • Proficiency in tissue culture and basic molecular biological experiments (eg., cloning, RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, western blotting, flow-cytometry).
  • Experience in mouse husbandry, handling of human and mouse tissue, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry or mammalian tissue culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.