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Associate Research Scientist, Department of Chemistry

Columbia University · New York, NYtodayverified 5 h ago

PhD-level Academic / Postdoc roles on Crosslinked list a median of $100k (225 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Build nanofabricated devices and optical detection systems to develop multiplexed biochemical assays, while mentoring students and writing grants.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Combines nanofabrication, custom electronics, and Raman/fluorescence optics into new multiplexed assay platforms.

Might not be for you. Focus is biochemical assays and optics, with little polymer or materials science content.

Mostly at the benchGeneralist PhD-friendlyPostdoc bridge Works with universities

Adjacent materials roleNanofabrication and soft-lithography of nanostructured devices/microfluidic platforms in a Chemistry department; Raman/fluorescence instrumentation

H-1B filings

Columbia University filed 46 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, Assistant Professor. Median filed pay: $79K a year.

Universities are exempt from the H-1B cap, so roles here skip the lottery.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
PhD
Industry
Biotechnology
Role
Academic / Postdoc
Techniques
Raman microscopyfluorescence microscopy5 rolesnanofabrication2 rolessoft lithography1 rolemolecular biology assays

Role details

The Department of Chemistry at Columbia University invites applications for the position of Associate Research Scientist. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of nanofabrication, microelectronics, optical engineering, and molecular biology to develop novel biochemical assays that integrate custom-designed optical detection systems. The Associate Research Scientist will lead collaborations with internal and external partners to design, build, and validate a new class of multiplexed biochemical assays.

The position will begin as early as the 6th of October 2025, with the possibility of renewal, subject to work eligibility, satisfactory performance, and the availability of funding. Responsibilities include: Designing and fabricating nanostructured devices and microfluidic platforms using nanofabrication and soft-lithography methods. Developing, building, and testing custom electronic systems, including electronic circuit design and microcontroller programming. Designing and implementing modern optical instrumentation, including Raman and fluorescence microscopy systems. Applying molecular biology and biochemistry techniques to assay development.

Collaborating with investigators to integrate optics, electronics, and biochemistry into novel platforms for multiplexed biochemical detection. Analyzing experimental data using computational tools such as MATLAB and related programs. Writing and assisting with grant proposals, manuscripts, and patents. Coordinating multi-institutional collaborations and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Training and mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers with diverse scientific backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry Preferred Qualifications 1–5 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience. Demonstrated expertise in nanofabrication and soft-lithography. Experience in circuit design, testing, and microcontroller programming. Strong background in optics, with experience building Raman and fluorescence systems. Familiarity with molecular biology and biochemical assay development. Proficiency in data processing and analysis (e.g., MATLAB). Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Proven ability to manage projects, coordinate collaborations, and write competitive grant applications.

Interest and ability to mentor and train junior researchers in an interdisciplinary environment.

Related roles

Common questions

Does Columbia University sponsor H-1B visas?

Columbia University has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Associate Research Scientist, Department of Chemistry role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Associate Research Scientist, Department of Chemistry role at Columbia University based?

This role is based in New York, NY.

What degree is required for the Associate Research Scientist, Department of Chemistry role at Columbia University?

This role requires a PhD.

What techniques or methods are required for this Associate Research Scientist, Department of Chemistry role?

Raman microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, nanofabrication, soft lithography, molecular biology assays.