Research Staff Assistant

Position Summary

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute brings together world-class scientists across academic disciplines conducting pioneering research to transform our understanding of how the brain works and gives rise to mind and behavior.

The Institute fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment across 50+ labs, advancing insights into human health by exploring how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers.

At the Zuckerman Institute, we are committed to becoming a more inclusive, equitable and diverse place of scientific discovery and support a culture of respect.

Promoting diversity in science will help drive the transformative science that can change the world.

Situated in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus, the state-of-the-art building offers an environment where the highest level of scholarly scientific research takes place on a daily basis, with the benefit of being located in the heart of New York, one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

The Behnia Lab, is seeking to hire a highly motivated Research Staff Assistant with an interest in the mechanisms underlying learning and memory to work in an exciting and innovative research environment.

The candidate will work closely with a team of graduate students on ongoing experiments that apply genetic, functional imaging, behavioral and theoretical methodologies to understand the circuit mechanisms underlying multi-sensory learning in a well-studied memory center, the Drosophila mushroom body.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic, self-motivated professional looking to stay within the lab for at least 2 years before moving on to their next opportunity or graduate school / medical school.

Strong candidates will be organized, responsible, and teamwork-oriented individuals who would enjoy working collaboratively with graduate students, postdocs, and other technicians in support of research goals.

We invite to you review our website : .

This is a full-time grant funded role.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following :

• Perform fruit fly husbandry and set up genetic crosses.
• Maintain the lab's fruit fly stock and inventory.
• Perform functional imaging techniques as directed by the PI.
• Collect, record, and analyze data.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors in neuroscience, biology, or a highly related scientific field.
• Minimum of 6 months of related experience in an academic research setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python programming, version control, and databases.
• Experience with biological imaging, not necessarily in fruit flies.
• The ideal candidate should show an ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail. They must be flexible in nature and exhibit a willingness to learn new techniques and function in a fast-paced and changing work environment.

They must possess strong organizational skills, keep excellent notes, show sound judgment, and have a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation as well as the ability to work independently within a diverse and dynamic team environment.