Technician B

Technician B

The laboratory of Dr. Christine Chio at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is seeking a full-time Technician B to join our team. This position is ideal for a highly motivated candidate seeking intensive research experience before applying to graduate school, MD/PhD programs, or pursuing a long-term career in biomedical research.

The Chio laboratory studies the mechanisms of pancreatic cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and cancer-associated systemic metabolic dysfunction. We use genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived organoid cultures, optical redox sensors, chemical proteomics, single-cell sequencing, metabolomics, and molecular and cellular biology approaches to understand how redox metabolism shapes pancreatic tumor biology.

We are looking for an outstanding, intellectually curious, highly motivated, and team-oriented candidate who is excited by the challenge of working in a rigorous and collaborative academic research environment. The ideal candidate will have prior research experience, strong attention to detail, and a genuine interest in cancer biology, metabolism, redox biology, animal models, or related areas.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Chio and other lab members to support ongoing projects and, depending on experience and progress, may have the opportunity to take increasing ownership of a defined research project. This position provides hands-on training in experimental design, mouse models of cancer, organoid culture, molecular and cellular biology, data analysis, scientific presentation, and manuscript preparation. Candidates who contribute substantially to research projects may have opportunities for authorship on publications.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular, cellular, genetic, and biochemical experiments using in vitro and in vivo cancer models.
• Work with genetically engineered mouse models, including animal handling, colony management, tissue collection, and experimental procedures.
• Assist with mouse surgeries, dissections, tissue processing, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, and related assays.
• Perform or assist with cell culture and organoid culture experiments.
• Genotype and maintain mouse colonies, including careful record keeping and coordination with other lab members.
• Analyze, organize, and interpret experimental data.
• Troubleshoot methodological problems in research protocols.
• Present research progress in lab meetings and one-on-one meetings with the PI.
• Conduct literature reviews to help develop experimental approaches.
• Assist with protocol writing, documentation, and preparation of figures or research summaries.
• Help maintain common lab equipment, inventories, and general lab organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Prior research experience in a laboratory setting.
• Strong interest in cancer biology, metabolism, redox biology, mouse models, or related areas.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to learn complex techniques with instruction and apply prior experience to new experimental approaches.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think critically about data and experimental design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with mice in a research setting.
• Experience with molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, organoid culture, histology, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, qPCR, cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, or other biochemical/cellular assays.
• Experience with data organization, figure preparation, or scientific presentations.
• Interest in applying to graduate school, MD/PhD programs, or pursuing a research-intensive career.

Other Requirements

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Christine Chio at Please send a single PDF containing a complete CV, the names and contact information of three professional references, and a brief statement describing prior research experience, scientific interests, and longer-term career goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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