Staff Associate II

Position Summary

The Biomarkers Core Laboratory seeks an experienced and highly motivated Staff Associate II with specialized expertise in biological mass spectrometry and high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) metabolomics. 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. Generate high-quality metabolomics datasets: schedule and execute sample runs; monitor instrument performance and QC/QA metrics. Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate multiple high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms (Thermo Orbitrap systems) as part of an integrated workflow.
• 40%: 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.
• 10%: 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 high-resolution Orbitrap platforms (Thermo Exploris series, IQX).

Problem Solving

Excellent problem solving, technical, and operational skills related to operating, maintaining and troubleshooting Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240- Vanquish Duo LC/MS systems.

Decision Making/Autonomy (Must equal 10)

Level of supervision required, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) - #5

Degree of independent judgment expected, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) - #5

Leadership

• To be able to effectively plan activities, dividing complex projects into specific tasks
• To work effectively and collaboratively with a highly multidisciplinary team

Technical Expertise

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

Communication Skills

• Communicates complex scientific concepts clearly to multidisciplinary audiences
• Contributes to peer-reviewed publications and technical documentation

Minimum Qualifications

• A master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mass Spectrometry, or a related field
• Four to six years of experience

Specific Skills and/Knowledge required for the Position

• A minimum of three years of professional experience in high-resolution mass spectrometry, metabolomics, or related small-molecule analyses.
• Hands-on expertise in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Thermo Orbitrap Exploris series-Vanquish Duo LC/MS systems; Experience supporting large-scale untargeted metabolomics workflows, including QA/QC oversight and data interpretation.

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.