Laboratory Coordinator I

Columbia University • Full-time • New York, New York State, United States • $64.35k - $80k / year • 1d ago

Job Type: Officer of Administration
Bargaining Unit:
Regular/Temporary: Regular
End Date if Temporary:
Hours Per Week: 35
Standard Work Schedule:
Building:
Salary Range: $64,350 - $80,000

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

In this position, you will be the technician responsible for the daily operations of the STAR System (Sperm Tracking and Recovery) an AI-powered, microfluidic platform that was designed, developed, and only available in our lab. The STAR System finds and recovers extremely rare sperm in patients who had been previously told they had none. This remarkable technology is helping patients previously diagnosed with azoospermia achieve biological fatherhood (featured by BBC, The Washington Post, and recognized as the best inventions of 2025 by the TIME Magazine)

Join a Breakthrough Research and Development Team Driving Innovation in Reproductive Medicine

Are you passionate about advancing medicine through hands-on innovation? The Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory at Columbia University Fertility Center (CUFC)—ranked the #1 fertility center in the U.S. by Newsweek—invites applications for a Laboratory Coordinator I to join our pioneering team.

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and technologies that are transforming fertility care and patient outcomes.

About the R&D Lab

Located at the intersection of science, engineering, and clinical care, CUFC’s R&D Laboratory is embedded within Columbia University Fertility Center, 5 Columbus Circle, and is home to a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, embryologists, and physicians. We take an engineering-first, solution-oriented approach, identifying critical unmet needs in fertility and reproductive medicine, and developing breakthrough technologies to address them.

Innovations from our lab include:

The STAR System (Sperm Tracking and Recovery)—an AI-powered, microfluidic platform helping men previously diagnosed with azoospermia to achieve biological fatherhood.
Automated robotics improving IVF workflows
Needle-free blood collection devices for patient comfort
Nanopore-based DNA sequencing for point-of-care genetic testing
At-home sperm collection kits.
Smart Scales to add an extra layer of safety to cryopreserved embryos, eggs, and sperm.

Responsibilities

STAR System Operations

Perform sample preparation, operate and monitor and perform post-run processing for the STAR system
Maintain and calibrate associated instruments (camera, syringe pumps, valves etc.)
Log, analyze, and summarize run data for research documentation
Coordinate with clinical embryologists for cryofreezing and workflow integration
Communicate professionally and empathetically with patients regarding sample handling, scheduling, and procedure status.

Laboratory Research & Experimentation

Conceive, design, and execute experiments under the guidance and supervision of mentors
Work hands-on in a fast-paced lab alongside scientists, embryologists, and physicians
Assist in the development and validation of new technologies, assays, and devices
Sample receiving, accessioning, processing, and storage
Develop and document protocols, findings, and recommendations
Maintain inventory, request supplies, and verify receipt and storage

Research Compliance & Documentation

Assist in writing, submitting, and executing IRB-approved research protocols
Observe and contribute to the conduct of IRB-approved clinical studies
Assist with data entry, organization, and reporting for clinical research and regulatory submissions
Co-author or contribute to manuscripts, abstracts, and grant proposals
Maintain continuous and accurate communication with supervisors and managers regarding all current and pending research issues

Technical & Operational Support

Support both bench research and translational projects involving real patient applications
Collaborate in the design, prototyping, testing, and clinical validation of medical devices and diagnostic tools
Provide technical guidance and instruction to students and new personnel as assigned
Support training efforts and promote best laboratory practices
Attend required continuing education, safety, and compliance training

Collaboration & Innovation

Participate in brainstorming sessions and project planning
Present findings and project updates in team meetings
Work collaboratively across disciplines, including bioengineering, molecular biology, microfluidics, and data analysis

Additional Duties

Work with human study subjects and cell culture systems
Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and research goals

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience
Strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
Passion for advancing patient care and health outcomes through innovative science

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in wet-lab biology, molecular techniques, or cell culture
Programming (Python, MATLAB) or data analysis
Background in engineering, bioinformatics, or mechanical/electrical prototyping
Familiarity with microfluidics or medical device development

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is dedicated to the goal of building a multicultural faculty and staff committed to teaching, working and serving in a diverse community, and strongly encourages applications from candidates of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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