Research Scientist / Senior Director of the CNI Labs

The Columbia Nano Initiative (CNI) seeks an outstanding candidate to fill one opening for the position of Senior Director of the CNI Labs at the rank of Research Scientist. Reporting to the Scientific Director of the Columbia Nano Initiative (CNI), the Research Scientist will actively participate in multidisciplinary CNI research programs in close collaboration with CNI-affiliated faculty and researchers.

The Director of CNI Shared Laboratory Facilities, which include the cleanroom, electron microscopy facilities, the shared materials characterization facilities, and any newly developed facilities as needed will assist principal investigators (PIs) in their research and utilization of shared facilities and equipment, serving as a key strategic partner and subject-matter expert in equipment operation, configuration, capabilities, and maintenance to ensure high-quality research outcomes.

The Research Scientist will provide guidance and expertise in various aspects of laboratories operation. Additionally, they will be responsible for the operational and financial management of the laboratories, collaborating closely with the Shared Facilities Committee and the CNI Executive Committee to ensure safe and effective operations, maintain necessary IT systems, and comply with all university and government regulations.

The Research Scientist will also oversee modifications to available space as needed for new equipment, working with Columbia Facilities staff and contractors. They will ensure a safe laboratory environment and foster collaboration with Columbia University's Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) office.

Additionally, the Research Scientist will continue to develop and lead external user programs, oversee lab budgets, and facilitate lab operation costs through user fees in collaboration with the CNI finance office. They will also maintain long-term plans for equipment, maintenance, and staffing and contribute to grant applications for new equipment and large center grant proposals.

The Research Scientist may also collaborate on research activities within the Columbia Nano Initiative, particularly those requiring specialized expertise in the Shared Laboratory Facilities. She / he may also lead proposal development efforts and serve as PI or Co-PI on proposals as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Research Collaboration

• Actively collaborates on multidisciplinary research programs involving CNI-affiliated faculty and researchers from the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as faculty and researchers at affiliated institutions. She / he should also possess the ability to foster interdisciplinary research, manage internal and external research relationships, and to participate in the mentorship of junior scientists.
• Serves as a subject-matter expert in the operation, configuration, capabilities, and maintenance of CNI Shared Laboratory equipment and assists in interpreting experimental results.
• Ensures high-quality scientific outcomes for research activities in the Shared Facilities.
• Ensures safe operation and full compliance with university and regulatory policies for all CNI facilities.
• Trains laboratory users in safe and effective equipment operation.
• Supervises Staff Associates, Senior Staff Associates, and administrative officers responsible for lab operations.

Experimental Design

Proposal Development

Laboratory Management

Financial Management

Reporting Relationships

Supervisory and Management Responsibilities

For the rank of Research Scientist, the equivalency is with the qualifications and contributions of an Associate Professor. Offers at the Research Scientist level are contingent upon review and approval of the academic review committees and candidates should take this additional time into consideration.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. or its professional equivalent is required. Experience of at least five years of working in a cleanroom lab, and familiarity with materials characterization techniques and electron microscopy are also required. A minimum of three years of people management experience is necessary. For the rank of Research Scientist, the equivalency is with the qualifications and contributions of an Associate Professor

Preferred Qualifications

Ten or more years of extensive professional experience in laboratory management, including supervising interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers. We seek applicants with a strong background and leadership skills.

Additional desired qualifications include :

Other highly desired attributes include :

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.