Staff Associate II

The Staff Associate II (SAII) will learn how to run and maintain a number of wet chemistry laboratories and analytical facilities, including filter weighing facility, x-ray flourescence spectrometer, gamma spectrometers, gas chromatography, and ICP-MS. Also learn how to use and maintain a large inventory of field monitors and their calibration approaches. Once trained, the SAII will be able to train and supervise students and work closely with research support staff, postdoctoral research scientists and principal investigators in the use of analytical facilities and field methods as required. Provide logistical and technical support as well as participate in complex field programs. Participate in data analysis and preparation of manuscripts for publication and technical progress/final reports.


Duties and Responsibilities include:



  • Learn how to perform sample preparation of sediment, water, filter and extracts of biological sampe matricesf for analysis of major citation, trace metals, stable isotopes and radionuclides. Perform gas chromatography analyses of gas concentrations. Perform routine and novel analytical procedures for the analysis of trace metals. Design experiments for and oversee use of our combustion facility with serial dilution chambers for challenging the response and calibration of sensors and mixing experiments. After training, facilitate collaborations by supervising and training laboratory uers (technicians, students, postdoctoral research scientists and principal investigators).

  • Use of single collector High Resolution ICP Mass Spectrometers. Maintain and use a large inventory of field monitors and lab equipment, including characterizing, validating and troubleshooting. Train and supervise other users of this equipment (technicians, students, postdoctoral research scientists and principal investigators).

  • Support and participate in complex field programs including designing of field experiments. Work can include up to two months per year in field programs.

  • Take lead in specific data reduction and analysis of lab and field data. Actively participate in the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts for publication. Occassionally present results at meetings and seminars.

  • Will receive general supervision from the Lamont Research Professor and exercise independent judgement and initiative within set guidelines. Will train and supervise students as needed.

  • Will help to maintain large inventory of field and lab monitors.




  • Bachelor's degree in Geochemistry or other related field required and a minimum of 4 years of related experience.

  • Must have sufficient computer literacy to process and reduce data using spreadsheet programs and computer programming languages as needed.

  • Ability to participate in field programs is required including ability to lift more than 25 pounds of equipment.


The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will remain open until the position is filled.


Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1, contingent upon performance and funding.


Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

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.

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...