Staff Associate III - Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering
- Columbia University, Biomedical Engineering Department
- New York City, NY, USA
- Dec 10, 2025
Job Description
The Department of Biomedical Engineering is looking for a Staff Associate III. This position is available in the Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering by Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic.
We are looking for a highly motivated Research Engineer skilled in computational modeling and basic laboratory techniques to join our dynamic laboratory team. We are working on multiple tissue engineering projects for improving human health. Please see our website for more information: gvnlab.bme.columbia.edu
We expect the Staff Associate III to lead the development and application of advanced computational models to simulate, predict, and optimize novel micro-bioreactors and cell culture protocols. This role will focus on creating sophisticated "digital twins" of our tissue engineering systems by integrating COMSOL multiphysics simulations with machine learning models derived from experimental data.
1) Functional Knowledge and Technical Expertise (50%)
a. COMSOL Modeling: Design, build, and run COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to model key processes within novel micro-bioreactors. This includes accurately modeling fluid dynamics, mass transport (e.g., oxygen, nutrients, metabolites), and other relevant physical parameters influencing the cell culture environment.
b. Digital Twin Development: Utilize programming and data science skills (e.g., Python, R, TensorFlow) to develop, train, and validate machine learning (AI) models. These models will integrate real-time or periodic measurements from various cell culture assays (e.g., metabolic, imaging, 'omics data) to create predictive, digital twins of the bioreactor system.
2) Problem Solving Skills (30%)
a. Model-Driven Optimization: Use simulation and digital twin outputs to analyze process parameters, predict cell behavior, and guide the design of optimized cell culture protocols and next-generation bioreactors.
September 2021
3) Communication Skills (10%)
a. Data Analysis & Reporting: Rigorously analyze and interpret complex simulation data. Prepare detailed reports, technical summaries, and figures for internal meetings, grant applications, and scientific publications.
b. Documentation: Maintain meticulous records of model code, simulation parameters, and validation results, potentially adhering to GLP-like standards for data integrity.
4) Decision Making and Autonomy (10%)
a. This person will be expected to perform experiments, duties, and responsibilities as assigned and requested with minimal oversight.
Preferred and Required Qualifications
3-5 year of professional work experience.
Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related computational field.
Proven experience with COMSOL Multiphysics (or equivalent FEM software) specifically for modeling fluid dynamics, mass transport, and related physical phenomena
Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) with hands-on experience in building, training, and validating machine learning models for complex systems.
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About
Biomedical engineering is an evolving discipline in engineering that draws on collaboration among engineers, physicians, and scientists to provide interdisciplinary insight into medical and biological problems. The field has developed its own knowledge base and principles that are the foundation for the academic programs designed by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University.
Courses
Courses offered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering are complemented by courses offered by other departments in The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and by many departments in the Faculty of Medicine, the College of Dental Medicine, and the Mailman School of Public Health, as well as the science departments within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Research Areas
Areas of particular interest to Columbia faculty include biomechanics, cellular and tissue engineering and artificial organs, auditory biophysics, and biosignals and biomedical imaging.
The programs in biomedical engineering at Columbia (BS, MS, PhD, EngScD, and MD/PhD) prepare students to apply engineering and applied science to problems in biology, medicine, and the understanding of living systems and their behavior, and to develop biomedical systems and devices. Modern engineering encompasses sophisticated approaches to measurement, data acquisition and analysis, simulation, and systems identification. These approaches are useful in the study of individual cells, organs, entire organisms, and populations of organisms. The increasing value of mathematical models in the analysis of living systems is an important sign of the success of contemporary activity. Programs in biomedical engineering are taught by our own faculty, members of other Engineering departments, and faculty from other university divisions who have strong interests and involvement in biomedical engineering. Several of the faculty hold joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and other University departments.
When inquiring or applying for positions within Columbia University, please also reference AcademicCareers.com
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs such as professor jobs, dean jobs, chair / department head jobs, and other faculty jobs and professional and administrative staff employment opportunities at Columbia University and at other institutions of higher education in the region on www.AcademicCareers.com
To receive email alerts when new jobs at Columbia University are posted, job seekers can sign up at new job openings at Columbia University.