Staff Associate II

The role of this position is to provide operational and technical research support for the Center for Innovation in Imaging Biomarkers and Integrated Diagnostics (CIMBID) imaging research platform, with primary responsibility as the day-to-day technical contact for the Flywheel imaging platform. Under the supervision of CIMBID leadership (Director of Research Informatics), the Staff Associate II supports secure imaging data workflows, including image ingestion and organization, de-identification, execution of established image processing pipelines, and troubleshooting of platform operations and connectivity issues in coordination with Flywheel vendor support and CUIMC/NYPH IT. The position also supports the development, deployment, and maintenance of containerized research workflows (Docker) and Flywheel "gears" used to run image analysis and AI pipelines. The successful applicant must be able to work collaboratively with faculty, research staff, trainees, external vendors, and institutional IT partners to support reliable and compliant imaging research operations.

Duties, quantifiable, see example below

35%: Operate and support CIMBID Flywheel platform workflows, including imaging data ingestion, organization, access/permissions support, and routine user support.
25%: Implement, execute, and maintain imaging data de-identification/anonymization workflows and related documentation in support of compliant data handling.
20%: Develop, deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot containerized tools and Flywheel gears supporting established image analysis and AI pipelines; perform routine updates and validation under faculty direction.
15%: Execute established image processing/analysis workflows, including data QC and preprocessing needed for downstream statistical/ML pipelines; assist collaborators with routine analysis execution.
5%: Additional duties as requested, including workflow documentation, coordination notes, and operational reporting as needed.

Functional Knowledge

Working knowledge of medical imaging research workflows and data handling practices relevant to CIMBID operations. Knowledge of imaging platform operations (e.g., Flywheel), data organization principles, and standard research computing tools. Familiarity with secure data workflows and de-identification concepts as applied to imaging data. Demonstrates knowledge of assigned functional responsibilities within the imaging data science support team.

Problem Solving

Solves a range of moderately complex technical problems using established guidelines, protocols, precedent, and vendor/institutional support pathways. Exercises judgment to identify likely causes of workflow failures (e.g., ingestion errors, permissions issues, connectivity problems, gear execution failures) and implements appropriate corrective actions or escalation.

Decision Making/Autonomy

Level of supervision required, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) - 3
The position works within defined guidelines and procedures to carry out assigned duties and operational objectives under CIMBID faculty leadership.

Degree of independent judgment expected, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) - 6
Applies independent judgment in execution and troubleshooting of established workflows and in identifying when issues require escalation to faculty leadership, Flywheel vendor support, and/or NYP IT. The position does not independently define the research aims or design novel scientific methodologies.

Leadership

No formal supervisory responsibilities. May provide informal guidance to trainees and research staff in the correct use of established Flywheel workflows, de-identification procedures, and submission of jobs via standard pipelines.

Technical Expertise

Comprehensive working understanding of research computing tools used in the project, including Linux-based environments, scripting/automation, and containerized workflows. Experience with Python and shell-based automation, Docker, and version control practices to support reliable deployment and maintenance of Flywheel gears and associated utilities. Ability to support imaging data handling and processing workflows in a research environment, including routine validation and quality checks.

Communication Skills

Communicates effectively with faculty, trainees, research staff, vendors, and institutional IT partners to initiate and maintain platform workflows and resolve operational issues. Summarizes technical issues and outcomes clearly, provides status updates, and maintains documentation to support repeatable, compliant operations.

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, data science, or a related technical field. Minimum of 4 years of relevant technical/research support experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

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.