Associate Research Scientist - Columbia University Medical Center / Mailman School of Public Health

The Mailman School of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Health Sciences is seeking an Associate Research Scientist with expertise in the field of metabolomics, mass spectrometry, or bioinformatics.  The Associate Research Scientist will be responsible for metabolomics studies. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Design, organize, and conduct highly specialized and advanced experiments in model organism.
2. Assist Irving Medical Center Metabolomics Core (CTSA) to develop and execute untargeted metabolomics projects with internal and external investigators.
3. Establish and develop the untargeted metabolomics workflow including chromatography and mass spectrometry methods development, create and customize sample preparation protocol, carry out detailed untargeted LC-MS and GC-MS analysis, follow established and develop new methods for results/features identification and quantification, operate and maintain mass spectrometry instruments including the GC/LC ThermoFisher Orbitrap MS system.
4. Implement and create research and safety procedures, analyze and present results and discovery at conferences and for manuscript preparation, performs all other duties as assigned.

   Job Requirements.

• A doctoral degree in the appropriate field or the foreign equivalent is required.
• Minimum of three years postdoctoral experience in metabolomics, mass spectrometry, or bioinformatics. 
• Experience with model organism C. elegans is preferred.          
• Experience working with mass spectrometry instrumentation including LC Thermo Q-Exactive HFX LC/MS and Thermo Q Exactive GC hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap.
• Expertise using LC-MS and GC-MS in small molecules analysis.
• Expertise using bioinformatics tools and statistical software.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of the theories, techniques, and methods used in current laboratory assays in the appropriate field.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, researchers, staff and other personnel.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other research institutions.
• Ability to complete all training and certification in compliance with the policies of the Columbia University and federal and state regulations.

Core Competencies

Leadership skill is needed to assist staff and other researchers to run the untargeted metabolomics at the CTSA.  High levels of technical skill are also essential to operate and troubleshoot the mass spectrometry instruments.  Strong analytical ability is required to design and perform complex experiments and analyze the data, and to integrate current and new techniques.  Ability to instruct staff and technicians on the proper procedures and maintenance of mass spectrometry instruments.  Considerable judgment is needed in interpreting data and results, as well as in conducting all research activities in accordance to the guidelines and procedures of Columbia University. Metabolomics research and interpretation requires an understanding and application of statistics and computational analysis.  A considerable amount of interpersonal and communication skills are necessary to communicate with collaborators.

Physical Effort and Work Environment

The environment is normally in a laboratory and requires minimal physical exertion.  The ability to manipulate fingers, hands and arms to operate equipment, papers and a computer keyboard is required. Lifting of light boxes, files and books occurs.  Employee may occasionally be required to travel to attend or present at conferences and meetings.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer —Race/Gender/Disability/Veteran.