Laboratory Coordinator I

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.

Position Summary

In this position, you will be the technician responsible for the daily operations of the STAR System (Sperm Tracking and Recovery) an AI-powered, microfluidic platform that was designed, developed, and only available in our lab. The STAR System finds and recovers extremely rare sperm in patients who had been previously told they had none. This remarkable technology is helping patients previously diagnosed with azoospermia achieve biological fatherhood (featured by BBC , The Washington Post , and recognized as the best inventions of 2025 by the TIME Magazine )

Join a Breakthrough Research and Development Team Driving Innovation in Reproductive Medicine

Are you passionate about advancing medicine through hands-on innovation? The Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory at Columbia University Fertility Center (CUFC)-ranked the #1 fertility center in the U.S. by Newsweek -invites applications for a Laboratory Coordinator I to join our pioneering team.

This is more than a job-it's an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and technologies that are transforming fertility care and patient outcomes.

About the R&D Lab

Located at the intersection of science, engineering, and clinical care, CUFC's R&D Laboratory is embedded within Columbia University Fertility Center, 5 Columbus Circle, and is home to a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, embryologists, and physicians. We take an engineering-first, solution-oriented approach, identifying critical unmet needs in fertility and reproductive medicine, and developing breakthrough technologies to address them.

Innovations from our lab include :

The STAR System (Sperm Tracking and Recovery)-an AI-powered, microfluidic platform helping men previously diagnosed with azoospermia to achieve biological fatherhood.

Automated robotics improving IVF workflows

Needle-free blood collection devices for patient comfort

Nanopore-based DNA sequencing for point-of-care genetic testing

• At-home sperm collection kits.

Smart Scales to add an extra layer of safety to cryopreserved embryos, eggs, and sperm.

Responsibilities

STAR System Operations

• Perform sample preparation, operate and monitor and perform post-run processing for the STAR system
• Maintain and calibrate associated instruments (camera, syringe pumps, valves etc.)
• Log, analyze, and summarize run data for research documentation
• Coordinate with clinical embryologists for cryofreezing and workflow integration
• Communicate professionally and empathetically with patients regarding sample handling, scheduling, and procedure status.

Laboratory Research & Experimentation

• Conceive, design, and execute experiments under the guidance and supervision of mentors
• Work hands-on in a fast-paced lab alongside scientists, embryologists, and physicians
• Assist in the development and validation of new technologies, assays, and devices
• Sample receiving, accessioning, processing, and storage
• Develop and document protocols, findings, and recommendations
• Maintain inventory, request supplies, and verify receipt and storage

Research Compliance & Documentation

• Assist in writing, submitting, and executing IRB-approved research protocols
• Observe and contribute to the conduct of IRB-approved clinical studies
• Assist with data entry, organization, and reporting for clinical research and regulatory submissions
• Co-author or contribute to manuscripts, abstracts, and grant proposals
• Maintain continuous and accurate communication with supervisors and managers regarding all current and pending research issues

Technical & Operational Support

• Support both bench research and translational projects involving real patient applications
• Collaborate in the design, prototyping, testing, and clinical validation of medical devices and diagnostic tools
• Provide technical guidance and instruction to students and new personnel as assigned
• Support training efforts and promote best laboratory practices
• Attend required continuing education, safety, and compliance training

Collaboration & Innovation

• Participate in brainstorming sessions and project planning
• Present findings and project updates in team meetings
• Work collaboratively across disciplines, including bioengineering, molecular biology, microfluidics, and data analysis

Additional Duties

• Work with human study subjects and cell culture systems
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and research goals

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience
• Strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Passion for advancing patient care and health outcomes through innovative science

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wet-lab biology, molecular techniques, or cell culture
• Programming (Python, MATLAB) or data analysis
• Background in engineering, bioinformatics, or mechanical / electrical prototyping
• Familiarity with microfluidics or medical device development

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is dedicated to the goal of building a multicultural faculty and staff committed to teaching, working and serving in a diverse community, and strongly encourages applications from candidates of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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