Associate Research Scientist

The opportunity to join the Department of Pediatrics at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at the rank of Associate Research Scientist is an exciting one. Columbia University Irving Medical Center, one of the nation's foremost academic health science centers. The Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is the top in comparison with other pediatrics department in the NY region in NIH research funding.

• Experimental Design & Execution: Develop, implement, and optimize in vivo behavioral paradigms to model social aggression and social stress (e.g., CD1 resident-intruder, acute/chronic social defeat). Perform chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations with rigorous behavioral/physiological readouts. Conduct and supervise surgical procedures, post-op care, and longitudinal behavioral testing in accordance with IACUC protocols.
• Acquire and analyze electrophysiological data to build interpretable network models associated with aggressive and stress-related states, Apply signal processing, graph-theory, and statistical modeling to identify state-specific network dynamics and predictors of susceptibility/resilience.
• Computational Methods & Tooling: Build and maintain custom analysis pipelines (Python/Matlab/R), image-analysis tools for quantification of neuronal markers. Ensure data integrity, code versioning, documentation, and reproducibility (SOPs, data dictionaries, analysis notebooks).
• Scientific Communication & Team Leadership: Lead figure/method preparation; contribute to manuscripts, talks, and grant applications (NIH/Foundations), Mentor junior staff, students, and trainees in behavioral, surgical, and computational techniques; foster an inclusive, safety-first lab culture, Coordinate cross-lab collaborations.
• Compliance & Operations: Maintain IACUC protocols and training records; uphold animal welfare and biosafety standards, Contribute to lab infrastructure, equipment upkeep, and ordering; help streamline workflows within CERH/Department of Pediatrics.

• Must have a doctorate degree Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in rodent behavioral neuroscience and causal circuit methods (optogenetics and/or chemogenetics).
• 2-3 years of postdoctoral training required
• Consistently strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with professionals in other disciplines.
• The ability to create a high-energy results-oriented work environment that encourages colleagues and staff to value each other's contributions.
• The ability to share and celebrate success with colleagues and staff.

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.