Undergraduate Research Opportunities
These are opportunities available to undergraduate students and alumni in the Department of Biological Sciences. Please email [email protected] if you have an opportunity to post for our students.
Volunteer/Paid Research Positions
The Abate-Shen laboratory in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is seeking to recruit hard-working, ambitious, and energetic individuals as part of their research team. Research in the Abate-Shen laboratory is focused on cancer biology, with an emphasis on the generation and analyses of mouse models of cancer. The research assistant will assist post-doctoral fellows and other research staff in their analyses of mouse models of cancer, and will assist in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.
This is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates seeking part-time research opportunities. Our laboratory is located on the health sciences campus, see our website @ https://www.pharmacology.cuimc.columbia.edu/research/abate-shen-lab.
For information or to apply contact Dr. Cory Abate-Shen at [email protected].
Posted September 6, 2023
Job Description: We are looking for a motivated student interested in learning techniques about metabolism physiology using the mice model.
The core has a variety of techniques able to access individual mouse metabolism phenotyping, such as food and water intake, energy expenditure, energy absorption, VO2 consumption, CO2 production, body mass, body temperature, and activity, etc.
In addition, we can access mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism.
Contact: Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you are interested. Lucas Kniess Debarba, PhD (he/him), Metabolic Phenotyping Core Manager, Phone: +313 3989789, [email protected]
Posted March 17, 2023
Job Description: The Brain Injury Research Center of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is accepting applications for Summer and Fall Research Volunteers. Interviews will begin at the beginning of February.
Interested students should complete an application here: https://forms.gle/WGBf34iVJ1JtMWLx9
Contact: [email protected]
Posted January 23, 2023
Job Opportunities
About the lab: We are a young and vibrant group applying biological, physiological and computational tools to understand and identify new treatments for motor and sensory neuron diseases. The laboratory is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic research assistant with experience in molecular biology and in particular stem cell biology to support preclinical studies related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and pain.
Job Description: The research technician will contribute to the intellectual development of a project, attend and present at lab meetings, and engage in the scientific community through opportunities to attend conferences and publish papers. The major responsibilities will include stem cell culture and differentiation, analysis of molecular disease-related phenotypes using patient and control as well as gene-edited iPSC lines, quantitative analysis of expression and sequence data, general molecular biology techniques such as immunohistochemistry, RNA isolation and PCR to analyze cells of interest. Additional work will include assistance with ordering, laboratory maintenance and animal husbandry. The candidate must be able to make a two-year commitment.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
- Stem cell culture and differentiation
- High-content imaging and physiology (calcium imaging/ optogenetics)
- Bioinformatic analysis of expression and sequence data
- Mouse brain and spinal cord dissection
- Purification of RNA and PCR
- Perform tasks associated with ordering, animal husbandry, and lab uptake
- Grant applications & protocols for Biosafety, Animals, and IRB
- May assist with training other personnel
Required Skills: Must be an enthusiastic, diligent and professional team player with excellent time management skills. Meticulous detail about laboratory techniques and documentation are required, as are the ability to work
independently and as a member of a team. The candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. The position requires accurately maintaining records of laboratory work in sufficient detail for reproduction of the experiments, organizing, analyzing and summarizing acquired data. The candidate may assist with drafting or contributing to the preparation of research papers, manuscripts or other documents for publication and/or presentation.
Posted November 28, 2023
Education: BA/BS in neurobiology, molecular biology, or related field
Experience: One year of previous relevant laboratory work experience strongly desired.
Contact: PLEASE CONTACT AND INCLUDE COVER LETTER, CV, AND TRANSCRIPT: [email protected]
Job Summary: The Lab Assistant will assist with lab management and conduct research in the areas of microbiology and biochemistry. The Lab Assistant will report to the PI. This is a full-time term position.
Job Description: The Lab Assistant will participate in a research project in the area of microbial heme biochemistry, under supervision of the PI and in collaboration with the PI and undergraduate researchers. The Lab Assistant will perform lab management jobs including: organizing and maintaining reagents and databases, handling basic purchasing and bookkeeping, and preparing visual aids for professional presentations, publications, or grant proposals. Techniques used in this lab include, bacteria and yeast cell culture, mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein expression, protein purification, biochemical assays, and fluorescence microscopy. They will perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed.
Salary: $58,500 annually.
Skills, Qualifications & Requirements: Undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology. An interest in learning new biochemical and microbial research techniques.
Preferred Qualifications: Research laboratory experience with standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques is preferred but not required.
Contact: Please apply at this link.
Posted November 14, 2023
Job Description: A technician position is available in the Targoff Lab, Department of Pediatrics and Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, starting in October 2023.
About the lab: The primary focus of the Targoff Lab is to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular development and regeneration. We accomplish these goals through the use of zebrafish as a model system and expand our studies into the fields of transcriptional regulation, cardiac mechanobiology, and stem cell biology. We utilize an innovative combination of genetic, live-imaging, single cell genomic, and transgenic approaches.
Contact: Outstanding and highly motivated candidates with backgrounds in biology, genetics, or biomedical engineering should apply to Dr. Kimara L. Targoff ([email protected]) with a cover letter and curriculum vitae included.
Posted October 27, 2023
Job Description: The Bandopadhayay Lab (www.bandolab.org) at DFCI (with co-affiliations with Boston
Children’s Hospital and the Broad Institute) is seeking a motivated research assistant to join our
efforts to find better treatments for children with brain tumors. We apply cutting-edge genomic
technologies to identify drivers of childhood cancers and to determine mechanisms of resistance
to current and novel treatments. Our lab is highly translational and spans efforts from acquiring
patient samples to generating and analyzing high-throughput datasets from those samples. To
that end, the individual will engage in experiments that utilize molecular biology techniques such
as cell culture methods, recombinant DNA and gene transfer technology, and other cell biology
assays. There will be opportunities to learn and assist in computational methods of analysis.
The individual will also assist in daily laboratory operations and organization.
Required Education, Experience, and Skills
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent is required, preferably in the biological,
biochemical, or computational sciences. We encourage all applicants that are enthusiastic about
scientific discovery and are passionate about helping improve patient outcomes to apply. Prior
research experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, or genetics is a plus, as well as
experience with computational coding, data management, and statistical analysis. The ideal
candidate will be a team player, highly self-motivated, and eager to engage in translational
research. We are looking for candidates with a minimum of two years of availability. Candidates
graduating in winter 2023 are welcome to apply
Contact: Please contact Dr. Mimi Bandopadhayay ([email protected]) if
interested.
Posted September 18, 2023
Job Description: A full-time research technician is being sought to support multiple NIH-funded projects in the labs of Dr. Pearl Chiu and Dr. Brooks Casas at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia. Projects in the labs are highly interdisciplinary and combine methods from experimental and clinical psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics with functional neuroimaging and electrochemistry to investigate decision-making in healthy and clinical populations. The research technician will be responsible for in-vitro data collection to inform in-vivo models of human neurochemistry.
The labs are currently engaged in advanced quantitative methods to conduct leading-edge research on the role of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) in the human brain to understand human cognitive function and dysfunction. The technician may also be responsible for operating equipment in a clinical setting during study sessions with research participants. The successful candidate will be highly detail- oriented, organized, skilled with monitoring and adjusting priorities, problem solving, and ensuring careful records of interactions with participants in a hospital setting (such as in an operating room or recovery suite). They should also be able to work independently, manage time effectively, and be an effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills. Additional duties include maintaining precise stock solutions, assisting in purchasing and monitoring supply inventory, adhering to all established Federal, State and Institute procedural and chemical safety standards and requirements.
Required application materials: Cover letter, CV/Resume, and a list of references. Two letters of recommendation will be required prior to interview.
Job Qualifications:
- Must have basic lab experience including dilutions, weighing chemicals, and understand proper chemical handling
- Must have pipette experience, preferably with micro-concentrations
- Must be able to sit or stand a lab bench for extended periods of time
- Must have a demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment, while exercising judgement and high degree of confidentiality
- Flexibility to work on weekends
Contact: Pre-submission inquiries with CV may be emailed to: Carey Caldwell ([email protected]), Lab Manager for Dr. Brooks Casas and Dr. Pearl Chiu
Posted September 8, 2023
Job Description: This is a full-time position. Applicants must be able to make at least a two-year commitment to the lab. Depending on degree qualification, the applicant may be able to begin as a research trainee or technician. A research trainee will also have the opportunity to move on to a lab technician position in their second year, based on performance. This will confer extra responsibilities including more independence and data analysis.
Responsibilities: The research assistant will be involved and trained in techniques relevant to our translational research program. The focus will be on identifying antibody responses to mycobacterial antigens that could serve as biomarkers or correlates of protection against TB. This will include techniques such as the culturing of mycobacteria, the production of antigens, human sample preparations, data recording, and the performance and analysis of antibody detection assays such as immunoblots, ELISAs, and microarrays.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Prior laboratory experience with a bachelor's degree in biology or a related scientific field for a trainee position; advanced degree required to start as a technician
- Broad skill base in standard techniques (such as ELISA, Western Blot, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, and protein purification)
- Detail-oriented, organized, and have at least a simple understanding of scientific literature
- Excellent interpersonal skills and self-directed work ethic
Contact: If interested, please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Please do not directly contact the lab by phone, unless otherwise stated. First round interviews will be held through Zoom. Depending on the situation, a second in-person interview might be required.
Posted August 10, 2023
Job Description:
The Yang Lab at the Columbia University Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics investigates cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms regulating tumor evolution and therapeutic resistance. The lab employs multidisciplinary approaches to study cancer evolution, including developing CRISPR-based molecular recording tools to track tumor evolution history, modeling tumor progression using genetically engineered mouse models, applying single-cell genomics tools to dissect tumor heterogeneity, and dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer evolution.
More information can be found on the lab’s website: https://www.dianyanglab.com
Under the direct guidance of the principal investigator, you will be helping to develop and implement new CRISPR-based recording tools for mammalian system that will enable the team to tackle a wide range of biological questions. This position will involve working under the direct supervision of the principal investigator – including assisting with cloning, cell culture, CRISPR, and mouse work, so this would be an ideal opportunity for a hardworking, passionate, self-motivated professional who enjoys balancing multiple priorities and is looking for a 2-3 year career experience before beginning graduate school or medical school.
Responsibilities:
- Perform a variety of laboratory and investigative procedures including routine experimental techniques such as standard basic molecular biology techniques, cloning, mouse breeding and tissue harvest, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry and cell sorting, basic fluorescence microscopy, and standard biochemical assays.
- Work efficiently and cooperatively to assist Postdocs, Graduate Students, and other lab members.
- Operate lab equipment and prepare and order necessary supply stocks.
- Collect, verify, record, and compile experimental data.
- Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area(s).
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to complete investigations.
- Prepare, order, and maintain stocks of necessary reagents, solutions, and supplies.
- General lab operations support to help maintain a safe, clean, and orderly lab environment.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, math, computer sciences, or related fields.
- Previous hands-on research experience working in a laboratory is required.
- Understanding of basic molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.).
- Previous experience with tissue culture of mammalian cells and/or molecular cloning is preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
- Proactive and self-motivated mentality with an eagerness to learn and grow.
- Proficient computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Posted August 8, 2023
Job Description: A trainer position is available to start on August 21st for our new Wavi device. Wavi is an all-in-one brain measurement platform which provides objective information about brain function. Wavi uses well established evoked EEG technology to record electrical signatures , providing doctors, researchers and wellness experts with actionable, data- driven reports.
Job Responsibilities: Candidates should have a keen interest in brain performance as we test patients that present with mild cognitive impairment, pre-dementia, and pre-Alzheimer's disease. The candidate should be able to communicate well and be able to instruct others. The candidate will be thoroughly trained by the company prior to starting the position and will then be required to install and train other technicians in various physician offices. An average training session is approximately 3-4 hours and a car will be necessary as we install Wavi systems throughout the 5 boroughs and Long Island
EXCELLENT COMPENSATION will be provided
Contact:
Mitchel Rosner
VP Sales
Advanced Diagnostic Solutions
516-946-9353
[email protected]
Posted August 4, 2023
Job Description: A technician position is available in the Nectow Laboratory at Columbia University in New York City. The Nectow Lab is comprised of scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds and expertise. Broadly, we explore how the brain regulates energy balance, a critical process that is required for survival. Specifically, using state-of-the-art techniques, we study the mechanisms through which neural circuits in the brainstem regulate food intake and energy expenditure. We are also actively developing novel technologies to better understand brain function. The successful applicant will learn and implement basic molecular and behavioral techniques, including immunohistochemistry, molecular cloning, animal work, in vivo calcium imaging, and/or functional manipulations of neural circuits (e.g. optogenetics, chemogenetics).
Job Responsibilites: Candidates that have significant prior experience (>1 year) in neuroscience, molecular biology, or engineering labs are particularly encouraged to apply. Extensive training will be provided by our laboratory, but the candidate would ideally have some working familiarity with either basic techniques in neuroscience (e.g., behavior, immunohistochemistry, stereotaxic mouse surgery) or molecular biology (e.g., cloning, PCR, etc.). However, regardless of prior experience and/or background, we are always looking for individuals of exceptional talent and creativity in diverse scientific fields. This position is ideal for students who have recently graduated from college with a degree in science/engineering and are looking to apply to graduate and/or medical school within the next year or two. Many former technicians have subsequently attended top medical and/or graduate schools.
A bachelor’s degree in one of the following (or related fields) is required: biology (neuroscience, molecular biology), engineering (biomedical, chemical), applied math, chemistry, computer science, and/or physics.
Contact: Interested applicants should reach out directly to Alexander Nectow ([email protected]) with a cover letter and CV. To learn more about our lab and work, please visit www.nectowlab.org.
Posted March 16, 2023
About the lab: The Weissman Lab at the Whitehead Institute (in affiliation with MIT) studies how cells ensure that proteins fold into their correct shape, as well as the role of protein misfolding in disease and normal physiology. The lab is widely recognized for building innovative tools for broadly exploring organizational principles of biological systems. These include ribosome profiling, which globally monitors protein translation, CRIPSRi/a for controlling the expression of human genes and rewiring the epigenome, and lineage tracing tools, to record the history of cells. More information can be found on the lab’s website: https://weissman.wi.mit.edu/.
Job Description: Under the guidance of two senior postdoctoral associates, you will be helping to develop and implement new functional genomics tools for mammalian system that will enable the team to tackle a wide range of biological questions. This position will involve working with multiple researchers to support their science – including assisting with cloning and cell culturing – so this would be an ideal opportunity for a hardworking, passionate, self-motivated professional who enjoys balancing multiple priorities and is looking for a 2-3 year career experience before beginning graduate school or medical school.
Job Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences is required.'
- Previous hands-on research experience working in a laboratory is required.
- Understanding of basic molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.).
- Previous experience with tissue culture of mammalian cells and/or molecular cloning is preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
- Proactive and self-motivated mentality with an eagerness to learn and grow.
- Proficient computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Contact: Please include a list of three (3) professional references with contact information as part of your application. Apply via the application portal.
Posted March 16, 2023
Jobs and Career Opportunities
New York Genome Center (NYGC) is accepting applications for our inaugural Early Career Development Program (post-baccalaureate training). The program provides recent undergraduates with exceptional scientific training and research experience in faculty and non-faculty laboratories, leveraging NYGC’s unique scientific strengths in genomics, computational biology, technology innovation, and clinical genetic testing. In addition to their scientific work, program participants will be offered various mentorship, programming, and enrichment opportunities that will introduce them to different career paths in the public or private sector or graduate school options. Program participants will be offered a two-year full-time position at the NYGC, starting in summer 2024.
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Posted August 8, 2023
The LifeSci NYC Internship Program offers the chance to complete a single application to gain access to paid internship and f/t job opportunities at dozens of NYC life sciences companies and organizations. Students from all majors are eligible to apply, as a wide range of science, tech, and business roles are offered.
The MSK Bridge program aims to provide post-baccalaureate trainees from traditionally underrepresented (URM) groups with a strong foundation in science and research, as well as guided mentoring that will help them successfully transition into biomedical PhD programs. Successful applicants to the program — known as Bridge Scholars — will conduct a research project in one of MSK’s scientific laboratories for up to 24 months. The overarching goal of MSK Bridge is to increase the participation of URM scientists in biomedical fields.
Bridge Scholars will receive a stipend of $41,000 per year. Health benefits are included. Housing will be available through MSK. MSK Bridge is part of the Maximizing Excellence in Research Education and Training (MERIT) program and is supported by Dr. Charles and Susan Sawyers, the Center for Experimental Immuno-Oncology, and for those entering computational labs, the Computational Oncology Program.
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Dates of hire: Ongoing
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