Cell Culture Enthusiast - Organoid and Cell Culture Core

A bit about us: The Organoid and Cell Culture Core (OCCC) generates 2D and 3D in vitro models that can replicate the morphological features of broad epithelial tissues in health and disease. The core offers a range of off-the-shelf frozen organoids and cell lines, as well as supplemental reagents, hands-on training, and expertise to support and guide researchers towards utilizing and/or incorporating organoid and cell culture-based model systems to advance their specific research objectives.

Learn more about us here:

A bit about you: We are seeking a motivated and talented person with cell culture experience, or a strong desire to learn cell culture, to join the OCCC as a key member of daily operations. Aspiring physician-scientists, surgeon-scientists, and doctoral students are encouraged to apply. Main responsibilities will consist of processing tissues for creating 3D organoid primary cultures and generating, maintaining, and validating a panel of 3D organoids from clinical specimens, xenograft tumors, and genetically engineered mice. You will participate in hands-on training activities and serve as a resource for quality assurance and annotation of organoid and cell culture lines, working closely with the OCCC's technical director to fulfill the scientific objectives of the core, primarily by expanding our library of well-annotated organoid lines. In addition, you may learn to genetically modify 3D organoids (e.g., CRISPR-mediated gene editing), perform high-throughput drug screening of 3D organoids, and develop innovative co-culture systems to model the tumor microenvironment. One of our key goals is to translate 3D organoid technology into personalized medicine. The successful applicant will be considered to participate in these endeavors and undergo training in advanced molecular biology and cell biology techniques.

Responsibilities include:

• Routine organoid and cell culture, including generation, maintenance, and validation of multiple ongoing cultures
• Adhere to standard operating procedures and quality standards
• Plan and prepare incoming patient samples for processing
• Prepare and restock critical reagents and supplies in a proactive manner
• Troubleshoot cell culture, equipment, and logistical issues
• Document both routine and experimental protocols, with attention to detail, utilizing batch records or other similar system
• Provide support in the management of daily and weekly activities of the OCCC
• Training of internal CUMC and external investigators on numerous techniques utilized in the generation and annotation of organoid culture
• General data analysis and other related activities
• Communicate results and progress with the appropriate supervisors

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a specific research field.

Other Requirements

• Experience in the biological sciences through an advanced degree (bachelor's degree with 4 years of research or laboratory work experience or master's level and 2 years of work experience preferred)
• Knowledgeable and practiced in cell culture, 2D or 3D, with excellent aseptic technique
• Willingness to work with mice
• Strong experimental and analytical skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills, willingness to be flexible with work hours, occasionally
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written
• Exceptional attention to detail and meticulous record keeping
• Experience in staff training and transfer of knowledge
• Ability to work independently and also to collaborate with leadership to implement novel techniques and methods and to support the overall impact and outreach of the core

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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

Minimum Salary: 31200.00 Maximum Salary: 31200.00 Salary Unit: Yearly