Stanford University opening for Life Science Research Professional

Stanford has been infused with the American West’s spirit of openness and possibility. We believe strongly in the mission of higher education – to create and share knowledge and to prepare students to be curious, to think critically, and to contribute to the world. With world-class scholars and seven schools located together on a single campus, Stanford offers academic excellence across the broadest array of disciplines.

Post : Life Science Research Professional 1 (1 Year Fixed-Term)

The Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences seeks a full-time Research Assistant/Life Science Research Professional 1 (LSRP1) to work in a laboratory whose primary focus is the discovery of mechanisms of epileptogenesis and cognitive impairment in pediatric epilepsy. The LSRP will be primarily responsible for multiple aspects of lab management including: mouse colony maintenance; maintaining laboratory supply inventory and ordering; coordinating lab safety and university compliance; training new members and maintaining lab protocols and online wiki; and supporting and assisting in the lab’s scholarly research efforts.

Job Description
• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.

Candidate Profile
• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.
• Prefer an advanced degree in the Biological Sciences, e.g. Master's degree.
• Formal training or experience in mouse handling and breeding highly desired.
• Experience in handling small animals, genotyping with PCR analysis, and record keeping. The job requires someone who is meticulous and highly organized.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, for serving as an effective and professional liaison to other labs on campus and external organizations, providing succinct and knowledgeable presentations to the PI and lab members, at lab meetings.
• Proficiency in experimental techniques used by the lab, or ability to perform these techniques independently after a period of orientation: culturing neurons, rodent handling, transcardial perfusion, tissue histology, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, unbiased stereology, EEG recording and analysis, behavioral testing and other experiments.
• Computer experience with spreadsheet and word processing applications; able to use the lab's communication avenues, Slack and email; can use Google drive and other online applications for information and data sharing; can use the lab's Excel system for tracking the mouse colony.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and skills as the job demands.

Knowledge, Skills and abilities (Required) :
• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

Physical Requirements*:
• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
• Position may require repetitive motion.
*- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Working Conditions :
• May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
• May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
• Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.

Work Standards :
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors bases on training and lessons learned.

The expected pay range for this position is USD 31.40 to USD 38.89 per hour.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.