Senior Research Staff Assistant

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $58,000-$61,500

Position Summary

Reporting to the Lamont Research Professor, the incumbent will provide both research and administrative support to the Soil and Aqueous Geochemistry Laboratory and the Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP). This role supports the overall research mission by contributing to fieldwork, lab operations, student and intern engagement, and general program coordination. The position requires a combination of technical proficiency, organizational skill, and the ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, and visiting researchers.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Support and Maintenance

• Manage daily operations and ensure the proper use and upkeep of laboratory facilities utilized by the Lamont Research Professor, SSFRP participants, and affiliated students.
• Duties include maintaining equipment functionality, monitoring lab safety protocols, and ensuring readiness of lab spaces for ongoing and upcoming research activities.

Research Project Assistance

• Support student and intern-led research projects by providing technical guidance, troubleshooting equipment issues, and assisting in data collection and analysis.
• Collaborate closely with the Research Professor and other mentors to ensure research objectives are met.

Program Administration

• Assist in the administration of the SSFRP, including recruitment and onboarding of participants.
• Track applicants, manage admissions documentation, collect required forms, and input participant information into Columbia's administrative systems.

Laboratory Inventory and Purchasing

• Maintain laboratory inventory and ensure necessary supplies are available for research and field activities.
• Submit purchase requests, track deliveries, and process check requests for laboratory and fieldwork-related expenses.

SSFRP Participant Liaison

• Act as a central point of contact for SSFRP students and interns, offering guidance and logistical support throughout the program.
• Foster a welcoming and supportive environment for participants.

Support for Visiting Scientists.

• Coordinate and facilitate laboratory access, resources, and equipment for visiting scientists.
• Provide orientation and support to ensure visiting researchers can conduct their work efficiently.

Ad Hoc Laboratory Support

• Respond to occasional, time-sensitive laboratory needs and special requests as they arise, ensuring continued operational effectiveness and research continuity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science or a related field, and 2 years of work experience working with interns required.
• Must be detail oriented, organized, and have a familiarity with MS Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Field and laboratory experience in Earth, Environmental and/or Ecological science preferred.
• Experience with youth development programming strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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