The METALab at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health is seeking an Associate Research Scientist with expertise in isotope geochemistry, trace metal and metalloid analysis, and mass spectrometry-based techniques applied to environmental and public health research. This position bridges the disciplines of analytical geochemistry and environmental health science, offering a unique opportunity to apply state-of-the-art isotopic and elemental analysis methods to questions of human exposure, source attribution, and health outcomes.
The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) — including quadrupole, high-resolution, and multi-collector (MC-ICP-MS) platforms — along with proficiency in clean laboratory techniques, radiogenic and stable isotope analysis, and statistical programming (R and/or Python).
The Associate Research Scientist will design and lead analytical studies on metal and metalloid exposures and their health effects, with emphasis on method development, sample preparation, isotope ratio analysis, and integration of geochemical tools into epidemiological research frameworks. Duties include organizing and implementing complex research plans; developing and validating analytical methods; analyzing large datasets using R and/or Python; and preparing content for peer-reviewed manuscripts, grant applications, and conference presentations. All research will be conducted in accordance with the policies and standard practices of Columbia University.
Responsibilities:
Analytical Research and Experimentation (30%)
- Design, organize, and conduct highly specialized experiments in trace metal and metalloid analysis, isotope ratio measurements, and isotope dilution using ICP-MS and/or MC-ICP-MS platforms.
- Perform sample preparation for complex biological matrices (blood, urine, tissue, hair, teeth) and environmental matrices (water, soil, dust, sediment) including acid digestion, matrix separation, pre-concentration, and column chemistry.
- Apply radiogenic and stable isotope systems (e.g., U, Pb, Cd, Hg, Zn, Cu, Sr isotopes) to questions of exposure source attribution, biomonitoring, and environmental health.
- Conduct clean laboratory work in compliance with trace-metal clean room protocols; maintain reagent purity and de-ionized water systems.
- Establish, develop, and validate new analytical workflows and methods for multi-element and isotopic analysis.
- Design and implement quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols, including standard reference material validation, procedural blanks, spike recoveries, and interference correction strategies.
- Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for instrument operation, sample preparation, and data processing.
- Collaborate with internal and external users to adapt techniques for new sample types and research questions, drawing on best practices from both geochemistry and public health laboratory traditions.
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain mass spectrometry instrumentation including ICP-MS and/or MC-ICP-MS; manage instrument scheduling and laboratory upkeep.
- Troubleshoot instrument issues including cone changes, nebulizer blockages, torch alignment, software errors, and vacuum system maintenance in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
- Train and supervise laboratory users — including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting researchers — in clean laboratory techniques and mass spectrometry operation.
- Oversee laboratory chemical inventory, reagent preparation, and procurement in coordination with the laboratory manager.
- Process, clean, and analyze large elemental and isotopic datasets using R and/or Python; develop reproducible analytical pipelines and visualization tools.
- Apply appropriate statistical methods to environmental and biomonitoring data; experience with mixture models, multivariate methods, or geospatial analysis is a plus.
- Maintain detailed, well-organized documentation of all experimental procedures, instrument logs, data files, and QA/QC records.
- Contribute to and lead the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, grant applications, and conference presentations.
- Collaborate with epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and public health researchers to integrate analytical findings into broader health research frameworks.
- Oversee compliance with radiation and environmental health and safety protocols in accordance with Columbia University and federal/state regulations.
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.
