Open Positions

Research Positions

RESEARCH STAFF ASSOCIATE POSITION

The Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics at Columbia University is pleased to invite applications for a Research Associate to support multi-disciplinary research engaging in innovative and interdisciplinary research at the intersections of genetics, AI, ethics and translational science. The Research Staff Associate will work directly with Ethics Division Chief Sandra Soo-Jin Lee at Columbia University. The Research Staff Associate must have experience with qualitative research methods. Applicants must have a Master’s degree; those who have a Ph.D. in the social sciences, humanities, public health or related field are preferred. In addition, candidates who are underrepresented in academic medicine and whose research interests are centered on the experiences of historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities will include literature and document review, conducting interviews, supporting data analysis and stakeholder and community engagement processes, and study-related administrative tasks. Depending on experience, the Research Staff Associate may have opportunities to participate in and/or co-lead manuscript development. Candidates must have outstanding organizational and communication skills, experience conducting qualitative research and data analysis, and a demonstrated interest in bioethics and/or ELSI research. This full-time 2-year renewable position includes salary and health benefits. The start date for this position is negotiable. The salary range is $65,000 to $68,000 per year.

Review of applications will begin immediately. 

  • Cover letter (not to exceed one page) that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Writing Sample (not to exceed 25 pages)
  • Three references. Names and contact information of those who can assess your research experience.

Questions about this position should be sent to:

Caitlin McMahon, PhD

Project Director, Division of Ethics

Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics

Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons

Columbia University

Email: cem2173@cumc.columbia.edu

Administrative Positions

PROGRAM COORDINATOR POSITION

This position is no longer accepting applications.

The Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics seeks a full-time Program Coordinator to work with the Division Chief and a multi-disciplinary team to support the Columbia Division of Ethics, the national Center for ELSI Resources and Analysis (CERA) and to organize the biennial international ELSI Congress.  Place of work will be in the Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, housed in Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University.

Applicants for the Program Coordinator position should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have at least four years of prior administration and program experience. Master’s degree in the policy, social sciences, public health or related field is preferred.  Candidates should have outstanding collaboration, organizational, and communication skills, including experience with implementing programs. The Program Associate role is a full-time position with a base salary range of $75,000-80,000.  

Duties will include:

  • Project management of three or more speaker series to include programming, speaker outreach, scheduling, planning meetings, arranging for closed captioning, Zoom management, video recording, editing, and posting.
  • Manage room scheduling, catering, and A/V for in-person and hybrid events.
  • Development and project management of new initiatives in the Division of Ethics.
  • Engage scholars, scientists and other experts to participate in ethics programming.
  • Support the planning and implementation of national conferences.
  • Develop and manage outreach programs and community engagement activities,
  • Support social media, newsletters, webinars, and all other outreach activities.
  • Collaborate with teams in multi-institutional partnerships.
  • Perform administrative duties, including scheduling meetings, managing meeting minutes and agendas, and email correspondence.
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Application Materials

Questions should be sent to:

Rachel Yarmolinsky

Senior Director, Division of Ethics

Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics

Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons

Columbia University

Email: ry2134@cumc.columbia.edu

PROGRAM DIRECTOR POSITION

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.

 

Application Materials:

 

Questions should be sent to:

Rachel Yarmolinsky

Senior Director, Division of Ethics

Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics

Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons

Columbia University​​​​​

Email: ry2134@cumc.columbia.edu

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER POSITION

 This position is no longer accepting applications.

Position Summary

The Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics at Columbia University is pleased to invite applications for an Administrative Manager position. Reporting to the Division Chief and the Program Director, the Administrative Manager will perform a wide range of complex administrative and support duties, coordinating across teams and departments to support financial and personnel related activities. Responsibilities will focus on meetings, communications, event planning, and finances/procurement.

Responsibilities

  • Develop strong relationships with cross-functional teams and departments.
  • Manage schedules and deadlines, lead coordination of meetings for division projects; and provide meeting materials including agendas and minutes.
  • Process P-card approvals/reimbursements and travel approvals/reimbursements.
  • Manage honoraria/project-related consultant fees.
  • Manage and approve timesheets for several employees.
  • Interface with HR and Department to manage hiring/searches/ and onboarding.
  • Interface with Purchasing to manage vendor contracts and negotiations.
  • Manage in-person and hybrid events and the coordination of catering, room rental, etc.
  • Support maintenance of website and social media presence.
  • Support the development and distribution of outreach materials, including monthly newsletters.
  • Purchase equipment/software as needed, including identification of vendors aligned with CU policy.
  • Oversee vendors for order tracking, error corrections, returns, and adjustments.
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required and 4 years related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in an academic setting is preferred.
  • Candidates must have outstanding organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to promptly provide information and service to a wide range of internal and external contacts.

Questions should be sent to:

Rachel Yarmolinsky

Senior Director, Division of Ethics

Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics

Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons

Columbia University​​​​​

Email: ry2134@cumc.columbia.edu