Open Rank: Staff Associate I, Staff Associate II, and/or Staff Associate III

The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center seeks a highly qualified candidate to join our growing team within the Immunogenetics and Cellular Immunology Histocompatibility Lab. The Staff Associate must be able to perform histocompatibility testing, and analyze and interpret clinical testing results. The Staff Associate maintains equipment and records; performs proficiency testing, quality control, and quality assurance activities; performs miscellaneous functions required to maintain smooth department operation. They will conduct basic and translational research in transplantation, perform experiments to characterize immune regulatory mechanisms,and monitor immune status in transplant recipients.

At CUIMC, we stand together because diverse experiences, perspectives, and values enrich every dimension of our work. Join our team and see how your unique skills and experiences can create a real impact by changing lives.

Job Function

The Staff Associate must be able to perform histocompatibility testing, and analyze and interpret clinical testing results. They maintain equipment and records; perform proficiency testing, quality control, quality assurance activities, and perform miscellaneous functions required to maintain smooth department operation.

Specific responsibilities and duties are listed below for each title and grade (SAI, SAII, and SAIII):

Clinical Duties:

• Staff Associate I: Must be able to perform molecular HLA typing using Next-generation sequencing (NGS), rSSO Luminex-based, and R-T PCR methodologies. Must analyze and interpret the clinical testing results and assign HLA-class I and class II typing. Perform serum screening of anti-HLA antibodies by CDC and Luminex-based SPA. Must be able to crossmatch with both CDC and FCXM.
• Staff Associate II: Must be able to perform all duties listed in the Staff Associate I position. Must serve on-call coverage for deceased donor cross-matching and can make independent judgments without supervision. It is required to use the laboratory information systems (LIS) for clinical operations.
• Staff Associate III: Must be able to perform all duties listed in the Staff Associate II position. Responsible for training residents, fellows, and new technicians. Miscellaneous functions required to maintain smooth department operation, such as reagent ordering, inventory control, and reagent preparation; and is required to use the laboratory information systems (LIS) for clinical operation.

Research Duties:

• Staff Associate I: N/A
• Staff Associate II: Will conduct basic and translational research studies in the transplantation field, perform experiments to characterize immune regulatory mechanisms, and monitor the immune status of transplant recipients with minimal supervision. Broad understanding of research techniques, software, and instruments used in the project.
• Staff Associate III: Will perform the same research duties listed as Staff Associate II. Broad understanding of research techniques, software, and instruments used in the project.

Lab Mission/Purpose:

Columbia University Medical Center's Immunogenetics and Cellular Immunology (ICI) Laboratory has been a pioneer in the HLA field, with a 50-year history of excellence in clinical testing. The laboratory offers comprehensive quality testing and consultation in three distinct NYSDOH areas of accreditation: histocompatibility, cellular immunology, and transplant monitoring. It also hosts several active research interests relating to transplantation outcomes, generation of immunological tolerance, and new biomarker discovery and characterization.

To read more about the lab, please visit: https://www.pathology.columbia.edu/diagnostic-specialties/laboratory-medicine-division/immunogenetics-and-cellular-immunology-laboratory

Minimum Education Requirements:

• All levels: NYS Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT) is required. Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in natural sciences (Chemistry or Biology preferred).

Minimum Skills Required:

• Staff Associate I: Prior experience in Histocompatibility testing is requisite.
• Staff Associate II: 2 to 4 years of specialized experience in high-complexity testing in a clinical laboratory setting. NYSED Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT) license, and be ready to participate in on-call coverage for deceased donor crossmatches. Prior experience in Histocompatibility testing is requisite.
• Staff Associate III: 4 to 6 years of specialized experience in high-complexity testing in a clinical laboratory setting. NYSED Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT) license, and be ready to participate in on-call coverage for deceased donor crossmatches. Prior experience in Histocompatibility testing is requisite.

Hiring Salary Range:

Staff Associate I: $64,350- $83,500

Staff Associate II: $64,800- $95,000

Staff Associate III: $65,508- $105,000