Staff Associate II

This position supports the precision-medicine metabolomics and exposomics initiatives at the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, in close collaboration with the Center for Innovative Exposomics at the Mailman School of Public Health (led by Prof. Gary Miller). The successful candidate will play a key role in method development, large-scale HRAM-based metabolomic profiling, and data analysis, leveraging advanced mass spectrometry and bioinformatic workflows to characterize endogenous and exogenous small-molecule signatures.

Duties

• 50%: Establish, optimize, and validate LC-HRMS workflows for untargeted metabolomics profiling of endogenous metabolites and exposome markers. Develop and refine sample-preparation protocols customized for various matrices and study designs. Perform comprehensive data processing and bioinformatic analysis using various tools and software packages. Interact with investigator clients to support project planning, study design, sample tracking, and data deliverables.
• 40%: Generate high-quality metabolomics datasets: schedule and execute sample runs; monitor instrument performance and QC/QA metrics.
• 10%: Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate multiple high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms (Thermo Orbitrap systems) as part of an integrated workflow. Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), method documentation, instrument logs, and QA/QC reports.

Functional Knowledge

Applied knowledge in conducting large-scale unbiased metabolomics studies (design, sample preparation, QC monitoring, data analysis and reporting). Hands-on expertise in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting Thermo Orbitrap Exploris GCE240.

Problem Solving

Excellent problem solving, technical, and operational skills related to operating, maintaining and troubleshooting Thermo Orbitrap Exploris GC240 and Q-Exactive HFX, E240 LC/MS

Decision Making/Autonomy (Must equal 10)

Level of supervision required, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) - #3

Degree of independent judgment expected, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) - #7

• Carries out research projects with limited Core Director supervision both collaboratively and independently
• Works under minimal supervision on complex assignments that require a high degree of initiative and independent judgment

Leadership

• To be able to effectively plan activities, dividing complex projects into specific tasks
• To work effectively and collaboratively with a highly multidisciplinary team
• To be able to cooperate effectively with experts from diverse scientific backgrounds

Technical Expertise

• Metabolite extraction techniques; Operation of HRAM instruments; demonstrated experience applying bioinformatic and statistical software tools to large untargeted metabolimics data sets

Communication Skills

• Excellent oral and written English communication
• Excellent communication of science-related topics

• Bachelor's degree in a specific research field required.
• Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mass Spectrometry, or a related field preferred.
• 3 years of experience in a related field
• Professional experience in high-resolution mass spectrometry, metabolomics, or related small-molecule analyses.
• Hands-on expertise in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting Thermo Orbitrap Exploris GC240 and Q-Exactive HFX, E240 LC/MS; onducting large-scale unbiased metabolomics studies (design, sample preparation, QC monitoring, data analysis and reporting.

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.