Job Summary Table of Cephalopod Research

🦑 Cephalopod Research Job Description Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Richard Axel at Columbia University’s Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute is seeking a dedicated Research Staff Assistant to serve as a Cephalopod Culture Technician. This role will focus on maintaining and breeding colonies of Ascarosepion bandense (dwarf cuttlefish) and potentially other cephalopod species to support groundbreaking neuroscience research investigating the neural basis of cuttlefish camouflage behavior.

🔍 About Cephalopod Research at Columbia University

The Zuckerman Institute stands at the forefront of neuroscience research, bringing together world-class scientists across diverse academic disciplines to transform our understanding of the brain and its influence on mind and behavior. As part of the prestigious Columbia University research ecosystem, the Institute is dedicated to deciphering the fundamental principles that shape how the brain develops, functions, and recovers.

Located in the state-of-the-art Jerome L. Greene Science Center in Manhattanville, the Institute provides an inspiring environment for scientific discovery in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. With over 50 laboratories conducting cutting-edge research, the Zuckerman Institute serves as a vibrant hub for collaboration and innovation in neuroscience.

🧠 Research Focus: Neural Basis of Cuttlefish Camouflage

The Axel laboratory at the Zuckerman Institute is conducting pioneering research exploring the neural mechanisms underlying cuttlefish camouflage. The team is developing advanced technologies, including gene editing techniques in dwarf cuttlefish, to analyze their remarkable dynamic camouflage behaviors. This research represents an exciting intersection of marine biology, neuroscience, and behavioral studies, with potential implications for our understanding of sensory processing, neural control of complex behaviors, and biomimicry applications.

💼 Research Staff Assistant Responsibilities

As a Research Staff Assistant specializing in cephalopod culture, your key responsibilities will include:

• Daily Animal Care: Feeding over 250+ cuttlefish in various life stages three times per day, ensuring proper nutrition and monitoring health status.
• Tank Maintenance: Performing routine cleaning procedures including vacuuming, water changes, algae removal, salt cleaning, and related maintenance tasks to maintain optimal habitat conditions.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining thorough and accurate documentation of feeding schedules, maintenance activities, health observations, and other husbandry-related data.
• Water Quality Management: Conducting regular water quality analyses to ensure parameters remain within acceptable ranges for cephalopod health.
• Life Support System Maintenance: Monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining the facility’s life support systems to ensure consistent environmental conditions.
• Research Support: Assisting scientists with research projects, including behavioral experiments and the design and construction of novel aquatic systems.
• Breeding Program Management: Working directly with the Cephalopod Facility Manager to implement and maintain a comprehensive breeding program for the cuttlefish colony.
• Other duties as assigned to support the overall research mission of the laboratory.

📋 Minimum Qualifications for Cephalopod Research Position

To succeed in this specialized research support role, candidates must possess:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience: At least 1 year of hands-on experience in aquatic animal husbandry.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with aquatic animal life support systems (LSS) and water chemistry principles.
• Communication Skills: Strong ability to communicate effectively with team members and maintain accurate records.
• Physical Capabilities: Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, climb ladders and stools, work standing for extended periods, and work in restricted spaces.
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours when necessary to ensure continuous care for the cephalopod colony.

🌟 Preferred Qualifications for Marine Biology Enthusiasts

The ideal candidate for this research position will also bring:

• Previous experience specifically in culturing cephalopods
• Minor plumbing, carpentry, and electrical skills for facility maintenance
• Surgical or microdissection experience
• A genuine passion for working with and promoting cephalopods in scientific research
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in work
• Adaptability and eagerness to learn new techniques
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous note-taking abilities
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities
• A collaborative working style that fosters teamwork while maintaining the ability to work independently
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment

🏆 Benefits and Perks

As a Columbia University staff member, you will have access to:

• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Retirement savings plans
• Tuition benefits
• Access to university facilities and resources
• Professional development opportunities
• Being part of groundbreaking neuroscience research
• Working with fascinating cephalopod species in a cutting-edge research environment
• Collaborative work with leading scientists in neuroscience and marine biology

🏢 Company Overview: Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute

The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University represents one of the world’s premier neuroscience research centers. Established through a transformative gift from businessman and philanthropist Mortimer B. Zuckerman, the Institute brings together researchers from diverse disciplines to pursue collaborative research that advances our understanding of the mind, brain, and behavior.

The Institute’s interdisciplinary approach combines insights from neuroscience, biology, psychology, physics, engineering, data science, and other fields to tackle the most complex questions about brain function. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and accelerates scientific discovery, making it an exciting place for researchers at all career stages.

🌈 Company Culture

The Zuckerman Institute cultivates a research environment characterized by intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and scientific rigor. Staff members become integral parts of research teams working at the frontiers of neuroscience. The Institute values diversity of thought, experience, and background, recognizing that scientific innovation thrives when multiple perspectives come together.

The cephalopod research program represents a particularly unique aspect of the Institute’s work, combining marine biology with cutting-edge neuroscience. Team members working with the cuttlefish colony experience the satisfaction of caring for remarkable creatures while contributing to groundbreaking research that may transform our understanding of sensory processing and behavior.

🚀 Career Growth Opportunities

This position offers excellent opportunities for professional development within both marine biology and neuroscience research fields. Staff members develop specialized expertise in cephalopod husbandry while gaining exposure to advanced research techniques and approaches. The skills acquired in this role—from animal care to research support—provide valuable preparation for career advancement in academic research, marine biology, animal husbandry, laboratory management, or further education in related fields.

🤝 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Columbia University and the Zuckerman Institute are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research community where all members feel valued and empowered to contribute. The Institute recognizes that diversity drives innovation and enhances the quality of scientific research.

⚖️ Equal Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran and is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

🏠 Remote Work Policy

This position requires regular on-site presence at the Jerome L. Greene Science Center in Manhattanville to provide daily care for the cephalopod colony. Remote work is not possible due to the hands-on nature of animal husbandry responsibilities.

📝 Application Process

1. Review the full job description and requirements to ensure alignment with your skills and experience
2. Prepare an updated resume/CV highlighting relevant experience in animal husbandry, particularly aquatic species
3. Complete the online application through Columbia University’s careers portal
4. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews

📅 Application Deadline

Info not available

📨 How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the Columbia University Opportunities portal. Please ensure all required documents are included with your application.

🔗 Social Media Links

Connect with Columbia University and the Zuckerman Institute: – Columbia University LinkedIn – Zuckerman Institute Twitter – Zuckerman Institute Facebook

❓ FAQs about Cephalopod Research Positions

Q: What is special about cuttlefish research?
A: Cuttlefish possess remarkable abilities to rapidly change their skin color and pattern for camouflage, making them fascinating subjects for studying sensory processing, neural control mechanisms, and adaptive behaviors.

Q: Do I need prior experience with cephalopods specifically?
A: While experience with cephalopods is preferred, strong backgrounds in aquatic animal husbandry with a willingness to learn specialized cephalopod care techniques will be considered.

Q: What makes cuttlefish particularly challenging to maintain in a research setting?
A: Cuttlefish are extremely sensitive to water quality parameters, require specialized feeding regimens, and have complex environmental needs. Their delicate nature demands meticulous attention to detail in their care.

Q: Will I be involved in the research beyond animal care?
A: Yes, the position includes opportunities to assist researchers with behavioral experiments and the development of novel aquatic systems, providing exposure to the scientific aspects of the research program.

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