Staff Associate I

The Laborotary of Dr. Max O'Donnell, MD is inviting applications for a detail-oriented and self-motivated Staff Associate I to join his research on tuberculosis (TB) in New York City, with duties in Durban, South Africa. The selected candidate will support research efforts focused on drug-resistant TB diagnostics and treatment monitoring. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field, along with expertise in TB laboratory methods. Experience working with clinical TB isolates in a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory is essential.

Responsibilties:

• Perform laboratory experiments, including culturing, testing, and analyzing clinical TB samples.
• Prepare and handle clinical TB samples in a BSL-3 facility, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols.
• Conduct microbial and molecular analyses, including qPCR, drug susceptibility testing, and microscopy-based assays.
• Accurately record and manage experimental data, maintaining detailed documentation.
• Coordinate research activities with an international team, including daily interactions with collaborators in Durban.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, research reports, and protocol development.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and international biosafety standards for handling TB samples.
• Participate in training and mentoring junior research staff, as needed.
• Perform additional laboratory and administrative duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of BSL-3 laboratory techniques and experience working with M. tuberculosis or other mycobacterial species.
• Ability to work independently, with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to travel to South Africa and work for prolonged periods (~3 months at a time) in a BSL-3 laboratory in Durban.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in microbiology or a related field.
• Experience with IRB protocol submissions and clinical microbiology research.
• Previous experience conducting drug susceptibility testing and molecular diagnostics.

Special Indications:

• BSL-3 training required.
• Position is for 1 year, with potential for renewal based on performance and funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran