Staff Associate II – Hematology & Oncology

Position Description

The Division of Hematology and Oncology at Columbia University Medical Center seeks a Staff Associate II to support the research program of Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch. This role provides administrative and operational support to faculty and research leadership, ensuring efficient coordination of documentation, communication, and workflows in compliance with university and regulatory standards.

The Staff Associate II will support daily laboratory operations and conduct experiments focused on disease biology and the mechanisms of anti-myeloma therapies. Responsibilities include executing established experimental protocols, maintaining cell line and patient sample repositories, assisting with animal studies, ensuring accurate documentation, and supporting inventory and overall lab operations.

Laboratory Research/Experimental Support

• Perform routine to intermediate-level laboratory experiments in support of ongoing myeloma and amyloidosis research under the guidance of the PI or senior staff.
• Execute and document experiments using techniques including:
  • Mammalian cell culture (maintenance, passaging, cryopreservation, and testing support)
  • Western blotting (protein extraction, quantification, electrophoresis, transfer, staining, imaging, and basic analysis)
  • PCR/qPCR (nucleic acid extraction, amplification, run setup, and basic data analysis)
  • Flow cytometry (sample preparation, staining, acquisition support, and routine data handling)
• Support additional assays as needed, including ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and cell viability, proliferation, and drug response assays.
• Prepare and label reagents, buffers, media, and stock solutions; maintain reagent logs and assist with the development and upkeep of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Support mouse experiments related to myeloma, amyloidosis, and bone disease models in accordance with approved protocols. Duties may include:
  • Animal Colony support and coordination with vivarium staff
  • Experimental preparation and scheduling
  • Sample collection/processing (e.g., blood/tissue handling) as trained/approved
  • Accurate recordkeeping for animal studies and experimental endpoints
• Adhere to all IACUC, biosafety, and institutional policies; complete required training prior to performing independent work.

Sample, Cell Line and Biorepository Management

• Manage organized repositories of:
  • Cell lines (authentication/identity tracking as directed, cryostocks, freezer inventories).
  • Primary patient-derived samples (e.g., marrow, blood fractions, plasma/serum, tissue sections as applicable), including labeling, chain-of-custody documentation, and storage logs.
• Manage freezer organization (−20°C/−80°C/liquid nitrogen) and perform routine maintenance tasks, including inventory updates, temperature log monitoring, and escalation of storage alerts as needed.

Data Documentation and Quality Practices

• Maintain timely and accurate experimental records (electronic or paper lab notebooks), including organization of raw data, documentation of protocol deviations, and use of version-controlled materials.
• Assist with basic data analysis and preparation of figures and tables for internal lab meetings and reports.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices (GLP, as applicable).

Laboratory Operations/Administrative Support

• Assist with lab inventory, ordering, receiving, and stocking of supplies; maintain vendor lists and support routine purchasing workflows.
• Support general laboratory upkeep, including equipment cleaning schedules, coordination of calibration and maintenance, and organization of shared work areas.
• Participate in lab meetings and communicate experimental progress, troubleshooting needs, and priorities to supervisors.

Other

• Perform other related duties as assigned based on laboratory needs and priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Demonstrated experience with basic molecular and cell biology techniques, with the ability to follow established protocols and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain…