- Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- End Date if Temporary:
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Standard Work Schedule:
- Building: Morningside
- Salary Range: $28.24 - $31.86
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.
Position Summary
The Research Assistant will work in the Molecular and Microscale Bioengineering Laboratory of Samuel Sia. The Samuel Sia lab develops technologies for point-of-care blood tests, wearable sensors, implantable devices, and cell-based therapy. The team is looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant to work on fabrication of a bioelectronic device in theclean room.
The Research Assistant must show competence and independence in performing tasks. Strong experimental skills and experience in the area of the project are encouraged. The Research Assistant is expected to work closely with the PI, lab members, and collaborators.
Responsibilities
Fabrication (45%):
• Photolithography (contact/flood exposure and maskless/direct-write)
• Thin-film deposition (e-beam evaporation, sputtering)
• Lift-off process development and optimization
• Plasma processing (ashing, descum, RIE dry etching)
• Polymer (polyimide) processing and multilayer stack integration
• Laser processing (excimer substrate release)
Cleanroom/Assurance/Compliance (45%):
• Cleanroom protocols and contamination control (ISO Class environment)
• Process documentation and SOP adherence
• Optical inspection and basic metrology
• Troubleshooting process defects (adhesion failures, resist residue, etch non-uniformity)
Laboratory/Other (10%):
• Provide support across multiple concurrent laboratory projects if needed including cross-
functional collaboration with graduate students, postdocs, and external collaborators.
• Attend monthly group meetings to present progress and relevant research findings.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree required in a scientific discipline.
Minimum two (2) years of experience in a research environment.
Specific skills and/or knowledge required for the position: fabrication and clean room
Proficiency in basic laboratory procedures.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Additional skills:
Software: basic knowledge of Office Suite applications or Google (Docs, Slides, Worksheets), and CAD and Design skills.
Preferred Qualifications
B.S. in Engineering or a related field with at least 2 years experience in biomedical/bioengineering/electrical engineering
laboratory or M.S. with 2 minimum years work experience.
Strong experience in clean room and fabrication.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.