Staff Associate I

The Haubner Lab in the Columbia Initiative in Cell Engineering and Therapy (CICET) seeks a highly motivated Staff Associate I to support research related to next-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies in myeloid malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Staff Associate I will be directly supervised by the Principal Investigator and an experienced Staff Associate III member of the lab. This role offers opportunities for professional growth, with training in CAR vector design and functional and molecular CAR T cell in vitro and in vivo assays. Ideal candidates are well-versed in precise, sterile cell culture work, have a solid foundation in basic laboratory techniques, and are eager to grow technically and scientifically in an ambitious research environment.

Responsibilities

• In vitro cell culture including sterile isolation and culture of primary immune cells, cell lines, and retroviral vector production
• Basic molecular biology protocols
• Assistance in mouse procedures (e.g. tail vein injections, tissue collections, bioluminescence imaging)
• General laboratory operations, including inventory management and maintaining lab supplies
• Utilizing analytical skills to solve moderately complex problems based on guidelines, protocols, and procedures
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment
• Additional related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or physics or related science or equivalent in education, training and experience
• At least 1.5 years of previous laboratory work experience as Technician in a bioengineering or molecular biology context

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong aptitude for learning new technologies and a meticulous approach to experimental work
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to multitask, work independently and as part of a team, and manage time effectively
• Self-motivation and strong work ethic
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel
• Prior experience in cell culture of primary T cells and/or hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
• Prior experience in basic molecular biology protocols
• Prior experience in CRISPR editing protocols
• Prior experience in flow cytometry
• Prior experience in xenograft mouse procedures
• Two-year commitment strongly preferred, due to substantial training effort associated with the position
• Ability to work flexible hours

Other Requirements

• Participation in the medical surveillance program
• Willingness to work with live laboratory animals animals (limited to mice) and patient samples (may contain bloodborne pathogens)
• Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements animals (limited to mice) and patient samples (may contain bloodborne pathogens)
• Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements

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.