Senior Research Technician - Card Lab

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, housed in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, hosts world-class scientists across academic disciplines aimed at deepening our understanding of brain function 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. Their commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and a collaborative scientific culture supports the transformative potential of their work on human health.

The Card Lab at the Zuckerman Institute, led by Dr. Gwyneth Card, is interested in understanding the biological basis of how our brains make action decisions. This work includes leveraging the fly connectome to study neural circuits on a brain-wide scale, relevant both for understanding behavior and for potential applications in disease research. The lab is currently looking for a full time Senior Research Technician experienced with Drosophila, who will play an essential role in advancing the lab's research into the neural basis of behavior during ecologically relevant situations. More information about Dr. Card and the lab's work can be found by visiting https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/gwyneth-card-phd

About the Senior Research Technician role:
As the Senior Research Technician, you will help support the lab and its research, working alongside postdoctoral researchers and research assistants under the direction of Dr. Card and the Lab Manager. We are looking for a highly skilled Drosophila expert who is a motivated, dynamic scientist and enthusiastic about a long-term career with the lab.

Due to the fast-paced nature of the work of the lab, ideal candidates are people who thrive in a constantly evolving environment, are strong communicators, and who have a strong ability to multitask, as well as a desire to join a community. This role is best fit for someone who is a proactive self-starter and passionate about the research work that the lab is conducting.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Joining the vibrant Columbia research community.

• Access to HHMI's on-demand training courses and interactive skill-building seminars taught by members of our learning and organization development team.

• Partnering with an investigator that has a deep and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and mentorship.

• Joining a close-knit, collegial team that facilitates opportunities for outings and events.

What you'll do:

• Work with lab researchers to make new Drosophila genetic stocks.

• Manage Drosophila stock maintenance including daily robot runs and manual fly-flipping schedules.

• Check for sick fly stocks and perform fly quarantining procedures.

• Work on neural Drosophila dissections for Split-Gal4 imaging pipeline.

• Train incoming staff on neural Drosophila operating procedures.

• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area(s).

• Work collaboratively with postdoctoral researchers and research assistants.

• Work with Dr. Card and the Lab Manager on the development of new tools and techniques for general lab usage.

• Help with general lab maintenance alongside the rest of the team.

What you bring:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, or a closely related field is required. Applicants with graduate degrees are welcome and encouraged to apply.

• A minimum of 3 years of directly relevant experience working in a Drosophila research environment is required.

• Extensive experience with Drosophila genetics and performing fly dissection is required.

• Proficiency in various molecular biology and cell biology techniques such as immunostaining (immunohistochemistry) and microscopy (confocal imaging) is preferred.

• Strong sense of self-motivation, integrity, trustworthiness, and demonstrated ability to work well in a diverse environment with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize.

• Ability to develop, train, and mentor other members of the technician team.

• Ability to operate complex laboratory equipment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

• Strong knowledge of computers and MS Office software.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer