Staff Associate - Viny Lab

Staff Associate I

The Division of Hematology & Oncology is seeking a highly motivated Staff Associate I to join Dr. Aaron Viny's research laboratory. The successful candidate will support cutting-edge translational research focused on hematologic malignancies through laboratory automation, clinical sample processing, and molecular profiling.

This position plays a key role in developing and optimizing automated laboratory workflows, processing clinical research specimens, and collaborating with investigators across Columbia University Irving Medical Center and external academic and industry partners. The Staff Associate will work both independently and collaboratively to advance research projects while maintaining high standards of scientific rigor and laboratory operations.

• Operate, maintain, and optimize automated liquid handling systems and laboratory robotics.
• Translate manual laboratory protocols into automated workflows.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and optimize laboratory automation scripts.
• Process clinical research specimens for genomic, chromatin, and epigenetic profiling.
• Perform laboratory experiments supporting translational and clinical research studies.
• Assist with sample tracking, quality control, and data documentation.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate routine maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, laboratory safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain laboratory inventories and coordinate procurement of research supplies.
• Collaborate with principal investigators, laboratory staff, and external collaborators to support ongoing research initiatives.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline. Four years of related laboratory experience preferred or 2 years with a Masters Degree.

• Experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling systems.
• Experience processing clinical or biological specimens.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple projects.

• Experience with Biomek liquid handling systems or comparable laboratory automation platforms.
• Experience writing or modifying automation scripts.
• Experience with chromatin, epigenetics, genomics, or next-generation sequencing workflows.
• Experience supporting translational or clinical research laboratories.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

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.