Technician B

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $55,112.05 - $55,112.05

Position Summary

Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) is a leading academic medical center at the forefront of biomedical research, clinical innovation, and scientific training. Located in New York City, CUIMC brings together world-class faculty across neuroscience, genetics, precision medicine, and translational research within a highly collaborative environment. The campus provides access to cutting-edge core facilities, advanced imaging and genomics resources, and a vibrant intellectual community spanning basic science and clinical disciplines. The Kizil Laboratory is embedded within this dynamic research ecosystem, offering close interactions with investigators across Columbia's neuroscience and genetics programs. Researchers at CUIMC benefit from a strong culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and opportunities to contribute to discoveries that bridge fundamental biology with human disease.

The Kizil Laboratory at Columbia University Irving Medical Center seeks an exceptionally motivated Technician B to join a research program focused on the functional interpretation of human genetic variation in Alzheimer's disease using advanced zebrafish models. Our work integrates human genetics, neurobiology, and in vivo functional approaches to dissect mechanisms of disease risk and resilience. We develop precision-engineered zebrafish lines carrying variants derived from large-scale human genetic cohorts and use these models to uncover early pathogenic mechanisms and enable discovery-oriented screening strategies.

This position is ideal for candidates seeking rigorous, hands-on training in experimental neurogenetics within a highly productive and intellectually demanding research environment. The laboratory maintains a strong portfolio of high-impact publications and emphasizes technical excellence, independence, and scientific curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and experimentally manage specialized zebrafish lines, including handling, breeding, crossing, embryo collection, documentation, colony management and experimental coordination.
• Perform and optimize experimental workflows such as:
• Contribute to functional studies of Alzheimer's disease risk variants and assist in the development of in vivo screening paradigms.
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and contribute to a culture of reproducible, high-quality science.
• Support core laboratory infrastructure and collaborate closely with trainees and senior scientists.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, genetics, chemistry, or a closely related discipline or equivalent in education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated familiarity with zebrafish handling and experimental workflows, including crossing and embryo collection.
• Experience with microscopy or tissue-based experimental techniques, or strong evidence of rapid technical learning ability.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently within a collaborative team.
• Direct, hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing (design, synthesis, injection, and/or screening for edited lines).
• Experience contributing to experimental or phenotypic screening approaches.
• Prior exposure to neurobiology, functional genomics, or genetic disease modeling.
• Evidence of sustained commitment to research (e.g., extended lab experience, thesis work, or co-authorship).

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.