Job Information
The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York Research Assistant in New York, New York
- Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Temporary
- End Date if Temporary: 06/30/2025
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Standard Work Schedule:
- Building:
- Salary Range: $43,400 to $50,000
Position Summary
The Research Assistant ( one year) - grant funded position is available immediately in the Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering directed by Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic. The laboratory seeks to hire a research assistant to support the prototyping and testing of platforms for tissue engineering projects. The assistant will help researchers with the design, fabrication, and use of custom devices and equipment that support the research mission of the lab. An interest in the design of bioreactors for tissue engineering, computer-aided design, and manufacturing is desired.
Responsibilities
(35%) Machining and manufacturing: Use of fabrication processes including 3D printing, laser cutting, and machining for bioreactor manufacturing. Develop processes for streamlining manufacturing (jigs, tooling, toolpaths, and design adjustments. Utilize computer-aided manufacturing software for machine programming
(35%) Prototyping and testing of bioreactor components: Validate designs developed by senior lab members and Research Engineers and assess performance and failure. Execute test cycles under supervision to determine and address failure modes (i.e. mechanical, electrical, or environmental).
(20%) Design and computational fluid modeling: Collaborate with senior lab members and Research Engineers to design novel multi-organ-on-a-chip bioreactors utilizing computer-aided design software. Learn and utilize computer-aided design software, computational finite element modeling, and electronic circuit design.
(10%) Administrative and experimental assistance: Aid senior lab members and Research Engineers with miscellaneous experimental and administrative tasks to increase output and efficiency of the research efforts in the lab.
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in Bioengineering or a related field.
Minimum one (1) year of experience in a research environment. Work experience in a biomedical engineering laboratory, interest in research, and strong experience with cell culture
Experience with fabrication techniques and computational modeling.
Design experience, particularly in fluid manifold-based projects
Hands-on development skills.
Quantitative skills are essential for this position.
Detail-oriented approach.
Ability to prioritize tasks.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and computer skills.
Flexibility in terms of working hours in keeping with changing priorities and deadlines.
Preferred skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with prototyping fluidic systems. Programming (Arduino, Python)
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Minimum Salary: 31200.00 Maximum Salary: 31200.00 Salary Unit: Yearly