Research Engineer

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 12/01/2026
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $51,400 to $65,000

Position Summary

A Research Engineer ( grant funded) position is available immediately in the Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering directed by Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic. We are looking for a highly motivated Research Engineer skilled in bioreactor fabrication and testing 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 Research Engineer to demonstrate technical expertise and leadership in designing, fabricating, and optimizing bioreactor systems and organ-on-a-chip devices. The Research Engineer will be responsible for designing bioengineering systems, microfabrication, and advanced cell culture experiments. The ideal candidate will work independently on complex projects while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including biomedical engineers, biologists, clinicians, and graduate students. Strong experimental design skills, knowledge of fluid dynamics, stress test design, and basic cell culture technique are essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and Fabrication ( 40%) :

  • Design, prototyping, and fabrication of advanced bioreactor systems and organ-on-a-chip devices.

  • Integrate engineering principles with biological requirements to create scalable and reproducible systems.

  • Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory fabrication equipment, ensuring reliability and safety.

• Stem Cell Culture & Tissue Engineering (25%) :

  • Conduct advanced stem cell culture, differentiation, and tissue engineering experiments.

  • Maintain standardized protocols for reproducibility and quality assurance.

  • Collaborate with biological teams to align engineering design with experimental needs.

• Microfluidic Systems Development (20%):

  • Optimize microfluidic devices, perfusion protocols, and fluid dynamics models.

  • Implement computational tools to predict flow behavior, nutrient transport, and shear stress.

  • Validate and refine systems through iterative prototyping and experimental feedback.

• Testing, Analysis & Documentation (15%):

  • Perform analytical testing, system validation, and stress testing to evaluate device performance.

  • Collect, analyze, and interpret complex datasets; prepare technical reports and publications.

  • Contribute to grant applications, patents, and conference presentations to disseminate findings.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Bioengineering or a related field.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a research environment.

• Work experience in a biomedical/bioengineering laboratory is required for the position:

• Interest in research.

• Strong experience with bioreactor machining.

• Specific skills and/or knowledge required for the position:

• Machining and fluid dynamics exposure

• Human cell and tissue culture exposure

• Proficiency in basic laboratory procedures.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.