Job Description

The Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center seeks a highly motivated and experienced Senior Staff Associate I (Lab Manager) to support research focused on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of kidney disease and kidney development. The successful candidate will serve as a key member of a translational research laboratory, performing advanced molecular and tissue-based laboratory studies while coordinating day-to-day laboratory operations.

This position requires a strong technical background in molecular biology techniques, laboratory workflow coordination, quality control, regulatory compliance, and research documentation. The incumbent will work under the scientific direction of the Principal Investigator while exercising considerable independence in the execution of approved experimental protocols and laboratory management activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular and tissue-based laboratory techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR-based genotyping, quantitative PCR (qPCR), gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and microscopy in support of kidney genetics and development research.
• Process, label, track, store, and maintain biological specimens while ensuring sample integrity, traceability, and accurate documentation.
• Maintain complete experimental records, laboratory notebooks, protocols, raw data files, and research documentation to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Coordinate experimental workflows, schedule laboratory activities, allocate samples and resources, and support the execution of multiple concurrent research projects.
• Troubleshoot technical issues involving genotyping, nucleic acid extraction, PCR assays, immunostaining procedures, microscopy, and other laboratory methods; identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize assay conditions, evaluate quality control measures, assess experimental performance, and determine when procedures should be repeated to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
• Independently execute approved experimental protocols, select appropriate controls, assess assay quality, and exercise technical judgment while working under the scientific direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, prepare reagents, coordinate purchasing activities, and ensure adequate supplies are available to support ongoing research operations.
• Oversee routine laboratory equipment maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed to ensure operational readiness.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements, institutional policies, and applicable research regulations involving biological materials and laboratory chemicals.
• Train and provide technical guidance to students, research personnel, and laboratory staff on laboratory procedures, equipment use, documentation standards, sample handling, and safe laboratory practices.
• Communicate experimental results, technical issues, and laboratory updates to the Principal Investigator and research collaborators.
• Support ongoing studies investigating the genetic and molecular mechanisms of kidney disease and kidney development.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of related research experience in an academic, biomedical, or laboratory research environment.
• Experience performing molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR-based genotyping, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with tissue-based laboratory techniques, including histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and microscopy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex assignments requiring initiative, analytical thinking, and sound technical judgment.
• Experience maintaining laboratory records, managing samples, and ensuring data quality and reproducibility.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and research compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of related laboratory research experience.
• Experience in kidney biology, nephrology, developmental biology, genetics, or translational research.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing molecular and tissue-based laboratory assays.
• Experience managing laboratory operations, including inventory, equipment maintenance, and purchasing activities.
• Experience training or mentoring students, technicians, or research staff.
• Experience assisting with research publications, grant applications, manuscripts, or other scientific documentation

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.