Senior Research Technician - Aydogan Lab

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Research Technician to join Dr. Mustafa Aydogan ’s lab team at Columbia University in New York City. The Aydogan lab investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern time control in animal development and developmental metabolism. In particular, they focus on the emerging concept of autonomous clocks . More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting .

This position is expected to begin after October 1, 2025 in concurrence with Dr. Aydogan’s upcoming appointment as a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar .

About the Senior Research Technician role:

As the Senior Research Technician, your day-to-day duties will involve supporting Drosophila -focused research within the lab in a variety of ways including husbandry, cell culture, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, maintaining fly stocks, and other research support-related tasks. The ideal candidate is a motivated, well-organized, responsible professional with significant prior experience in a research environment who is passionate about the lab’s work and looking for a stable, long-term career experience.

What we provide:

• A collaborative, intellectually curious lab environment that values innovation, creativity, scientific rigor, balance, and teamwork.

• Generous and stable research funding from HHMI.

• Joining the vibrant Columbia research community.

• Mentorship and professional development opportunities.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Full access to HHMI’s on-demand training courses and interactive skill-building seminars, led by members of our learning and organization development team.

What you’ll do:

• Handle various Drosophila -focused research support tasks such as maintaining the lab’s Drosophila stocks, fly husbandry, cell culture, and more.

• Perform molecular biology techniques for both Drosophila and mammalian systems (cloning site-specific mutants, deletions, insertions and otherwise mutations, qPCR and RT-qPCR, CRISPR gene editing approaches, genetically encoded fly generation, mammalian cell line generation, preps for DNA and RNA sequencing, and synthesis of RNA and dsRNA).

• Perform biochemistry techniques for both Drosophila and mammalian systems (fractionation, Drosophila and mammalian cell extract making, lysate preps for mass spectrometry and reconstitution assays, protein purification, Western blots, native gels, in-gel activity assays).

• Electron microscopy sample prep, sectioning and imaging.

• Optimizing and writing up lab protocols.

• Shipping and cataloguing of reagents.

• Lab fridge and freezer maintenance.

• General lab upkeep alongside other members of the team.

What you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in the life sciences is required. A focus on molecular biology or biochemistry is preferred. Advanced degrees are also welcome.

• Significant previous experience working in a research environment is required.

• Experience with various molecular biology and biochemistry lab techniques is required.

• Experience working with Drosophila as a model organism is strongly preferred.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to tackle challenges creatively.

• Strong communication skills, time management skills, and organizational skills.

• A flexible and adaptive approach to work with a willingness to learn new techniques and contribute to the collective success of the team.

• Meticulous approach to work with a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and congenial environment.

• Strong commitment to research integrity.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1