Lab Technician

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 20
• Salary Range: $23.202.40 Minimum

Position Summary

The Diuk-Wasser in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology is looking to hire a part time lab technician for molecular and field work on tick-borne disease pathogens.

** This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of extension contingent on successful performance and continued funding.

Responsibilities

The lab's work focuses on studying the ecology of tick-borne pathogens by collecting field samples during the summer months, conducting quantitative PCR and tissue culture, and animal-tick transmission experiments during the academic year (see https://ecoepidemiologylab.e3b.columbia.edu). The technician would assist in all these activities, help order reagents for the lab as well as help coordinate and prepare for the field sampling season.

• Conduct DNA extractions and quantitative PCR. 30%
• Project management for the Diuk-Wasser Lab. 25%
• Collect field samples during the summer months. 20%
• Coordinate and prepare for the field sampling season. 15%
• Help order reagents for the lab.  10%

The ideal candidate will have experience with DNA extractions and quantitative PCR, will have previous field experience (not necessarily collecting ticks) and have experience working with laboratory animals (optional). The candidate should have a strong interest in disease ecology and will participate in providing support to students and postdocs in the lab. The candidate should have excellent communication skills, have meticulous attention to detail, and exhibit strong project management skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in the biological sciences

• Two years of experience in a research environment.

• Experience working in a molecular laboratory and some field experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A graduate degree in Ecology/Biology/Evolution and experience in pathogen screening.

• Strong dedication and organizational skills evidenced in recommendation letters (2 letters required)

• Molecular experience: DNA extraction, quantitative PCR.

• Field experience

• Laboratory animal experience

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.