Open Positions

This position is currently accepting applications.

The Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics at Columbia University is pleased to invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join a multi-disciplinary study team for the JUSTICE Project (“Just Inclusion and Equity: Negotiating Community-Research Partnerships in Genomics Research”).  The study is led by Sandra Soo-Jin Lee (Columbia), Janet Shim (UCSF), and Shawneequa Callier (George Washington University) and is funded by the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research Program in the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH. We are particularly interested in scholars engaging in innovative and interdisciplinary research at the intersections of genetics, ethics and translational science, and who have experience in empirical research methods.  Scholars who are underrepresented in academic medicine and whose research centers the experiences of historically marginalized communities, including black, indigenous and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will work directly with Ethics Division Chief Sandra Soo-Jin Lee at Columbia University. The research scholar's responsibilities include: literature and document review, conducting interviews with genomics research stakeholders, co-leading data analysis, supporting stakeholder engagement processes, drafting manuscripts, and study-related administrative tasks. We welcome applicants who have received their Ph.D. in the social sciences, humanities, public health or related fields, and have a strong foundation in qualitative research methods.

The research scientist must have strong organizational and communication skills, experience conducting qualitative research, and a demonstrated interest in bioethics and ELSI research. This 2-year appointment includes salary, health benefits, and office space, and is eligible for renewal. Salary is commensurate with experience; the base range is $68,000 to $70,000 per year. The start date for this position is flexible but is anticipated to begin in the Fall of 2023.

Review of applications will begin immediately. To apply, please submit the following:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page) that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
• Statement of Research (not to exceed three pages) describing your research in health equity, team science and/or bioethics, your approach to diversity and inclusion, and how the position would advance your career goals.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing Sample (not to exceed 25 pages)
• Three references. Names and contact information of those who can assess your research experience and scholarly work.

Questions should be sent to:

Caitlin McMahon

Project Director, Division of Ethics

Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics

Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons

Columbia University

Email: cem2173@cumc.columbia.edu

This position is currently accepting applications.

The Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics at Columbia University is pleased to invite applications for an Administrative Coordinator. Reporting to the Division Chief and the Director of Programs, the administrative coordinator will perform a wide range of complex administrative and program support duties, including coordinating meetings and project deliverables and events. Candidates must have outstanding organizational, communication and interpersonal skills and ability to promptly provide information and service to a wide range of internal and external contacts. Responsibilities will focus on meetings, communications, event planning, financial/procurement and travel, including: 

• Coordinate meetings and maintain calendars for the Division chief and grant-related and division project meetings and events. 

• Coordinate and book in-person and Zoom meetings, ensuring confirmation from attendees and provision of relevant meeting materials. 

• Send out meeting agendas, take and disseminate meeting minutes, and create and maintain project timelines and deliverables. 

• Manage website information and provide support for newsletters and other communications, including social media, for projects. 

• Coordinate and implement logistics for all in-person and online division events, including speaker presentations and agenda, IT needs, publicity, travel arrangements, processing of all reimbursements and honoraria, and other related duties. 

• Coordinate and implement logistics for all division-sponsored teaching and coursework: manage and disseminate course-related communication and organize meetings. 

• Coordinate all travel for faculty, staff, and visitors in accordance with University policies. 

• Serve as principal liaison with vendors for order tracking, error corrections, returns, and adjustments. 

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in education and experience plus a minimum of two years of related work experience. Experience in an academic setting is preferred. 

Application Information: 

The salary range is $65,000 to $70,000 per year. The start date for this position is Fall 2023. 

Review of applications will begin immediately. To apply, please submit the following: 

• Cover letter Briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position. 

• Resume 

• Writing Sample (not to exceed 25 pages) 

• Three references. Names and contact information of those who can assess your research experience and scholarly work. 

Applications and questions should be sent to: 

Caitlin McMahon

Project Director, Division of Ethics

Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics

Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons

Columbia University

Email: cem2173@cumc.columbia.edu

This position is currently accepting applications.

We seek a dynamic, experienced Program Director to develop, coordinate, and implement academic and outreach programs and operations in the Division of Ethics. Working directly with the Division Chief Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, the Program Director will manage a growing program of interdisciplinary faculty and staff engaged in bioethics research, teaching and public engagement across a full range of activities, including daily operations, strategic planning, and implementation of programs. This position will involve working collaboratively with other divisions and departments, grant-funded initiatives, and multi-institutional partners. The ideal candidate has a proven record in management and implementation of innovating programs and taking leadership to create and implement outreach and educational initiatives. This position will involve overseeing staff, leading communications, and working closely with the Division Chief on initiatives. The Program Director role is a full-time position with a base salary range of $125,000-130,000.

Management Responsibilities 

• In conjunction with the Division Chief, create and oversee implementation of strategic plans for division programs and initiatives, including development.
• Guide, train and manage day-to-day activities of a team of program administrators.
• Oversee programs operations, including budgets, grant applications and progress reports.
• Oversee and support outreach plans, including research and educational programs.
• Communicate and coordinate with other departmental divisions and related university programs.
• Travel to approximately 2-3 professional conferences a year representing the Division.
• Manage vendors and CU partners including PR firms, video production services, and graphic design firms to execute timely, on-brand deliverables within approved budget.
• Initiate and implement process improvements that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Division.
• In conjunction with the Department Administrator, oversee various administrative processes within the Division including HR functions, annual budget development and financial management.
• Oversee work with various university offices, including Purchasing, Accounts Payable, IRB and HR.

Programmatic Responsibilities

• Collaborate across multiple institutions on NIH-funded training and outreach programs.
• Communicate and coordinate with program teams of faculty, staff, consultants, and vendors to drive projects forward.
• Lead certain dissemination efforts, overseeing inquiries for new tasks for the project.
• Performing other duties as assigned.
• Planning and leading weekly or semi-monthly program team meetings.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of program management experience.
• Demonstrated experience of effectively managing teams.
• Ability to think strategically and demonstrate effective leadership establishing priorities and meeting competing deadlines.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Outstanding organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills and judgement.
• Experience using social media and other outreach tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and workflow and project management tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences, business, communications, marketing and/or another related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NIH grant funding administration.
• Demonstrated interest in ethics.
• Master’s degree in relevant field.

Location:

The Division of Ethics is located in the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia

University in the Washington Heights neighborhood of northern Manhattan. Candidates must be

eligible to work in the U.S.

Review of applications will begin immediately. To apply, please submit the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter explaining your specific qualifications and interest in this role and in the Division of Ethics.
• Contact information for three referees (name, title, email address, and the nature of your professional relationship).

Applications and questions should be sent to:

Caitlin McMahon

Project Director, Division of Ethics

Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics

Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons

Columbia University

Email: cem2173@cumc.columbia.edu