Research Assistant

Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 1 to perform basic functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct and analyze experiments. Work will be conducted in a laboratory whose primary focus is the discovery of cellular signaling mechanisms that serve as a basis for developing novel therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and other neurological disorders. The LSRP will be primarily responsible for administering experimental therapeutic compounds to mice via intraperitoneal injections and oral gavage, maintaining mouse breeding logs and colony databases, and assisting in behavior testing and pathological analysis of various mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases. The LSRP will independently run experiments after consultation with a supervisor and will help modify existing techniques and procedures. The LSRP will be responsible for a variety of tasks including preparing tissue for histological analysis, immunostaining, microscopy, and statistical analysis of data. The LSRP will also be responsible for maintaining detailed experimental records and will provide technical support and training to other laboratory personnel.

Duties include*:

• 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.

• Experiments involving handling small animals, administering experimental therapeutics and evaluating brain. pathology via immunostaining, Western blotting and other histological/biochemical approaches. Interpret and perform basic analyses of results. May also include processing of large data sets including RNAseq.

• 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.

• • Other duties may also be assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prefer a degree in the Biological Sciences.

• He/she must have experience in handling small animals and conducting assessments of transgenic mice using molecular biology and other approaches. The job requires someone who is meticulous and highly organized.

• Proficiency in Western Blotting, ELISA, histology, immunostaining, multiplexed protein assays, light and confocal microscopy.

• Computational experience with R and bash processing.

• Computer experience with spreadsheet and word processing applications.

• Experience or willingness to learn quantitative analysis of brain tissue images.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

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.

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $26.44 to $36.54 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.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time

• Job Code: 4943

• Employee Status: Regular

• Grade: E

• Requisition ID: 103033

• Work Arrangement : On Site