Associate Research Scientist

The Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center seeks a highly motivated candidate to join the Mitochondrial Psychobiology Laboratory at NYSPI/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Our mission is to define the cellular mechanisms underlying mind-body processes, with a focus on mitochondria. The Lab’s translational research program involves a combination of laboratory and clinical studies. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with other lab members and both external and internal collaborators on research projects aiming to understand the role of mitochondria in human health.

Specifically, the candidate will oversee biological and data processing pipelines to investigate stress-related mitochondrial signaling, focusing on cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA), a recently identified biomarker of psychological stress, as well as GDF
15 and FGF
21, metabolic stress-related proteins measurable across multiple biofluids. Tasks will include receiving and processing biological samples (serum, plasma, saliva, others), performing DNA extraction, quantitative PCR and ELISA assays to generate new data. In addition, the candidate will analyze data, prepare technical and scientific reports, and contribute to manuscript development in collaboration with other team members.

• The successful applicant will work collaboratively with other lab members and both external and internal collaborators on research projects aiming to understand the role of mitochondria in human health.
• Will oversee biological and data processing pipelines to investigate stress-related mitochondrial signaling, focusing on cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA), a recently identified biomarker of psychological stress, as well as GDF
  15 and FGF
  21, metabolic stress-related proteins measurable across multiple biofluids.
• Will be receiving and processing biological samples (serum, plasma, saliva, others), performing DNA extraction, quantitative PCR and ELISA assays to generate new data.
• The candidate will analyze data, prepare technical and scientific reports, and contribute to manuscript development in collaboration with other team members.

• PhD or equivalent in relevant field.
• Completed graduate training in laboratory sciences, biology, or related field of study.
• At least 5 years of molecular biology laboratory experience.
• Strong organizational skills, independence, and the ability to work well with others in a research team.

• Prior experience managing biobanks.
• Prior experience with DNA extraction and qPCR.
• Prior experience with ELISA.
• Prior experience in mitochondrial research environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and R.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran.

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.

Experience: Not required

Employment: Full-time

Salary: $79,327 – $80,000 yearly

About Columbia University Department of Psychiatry:
Columbia University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to learning, discovery, and service.