Life Science Research Professional 1 OR 2

at  Stanford University

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute is a dynamic and rapidly growing institute within the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research at Stanford University. The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute is dedicated to understanding how the brain gives rise to mental life and behavior, both in health and in disease. Our research community draws from and informs multiple disciplines, including neuroscience, medicine, engineering, psychology, education and law. The discoveries that arise from these collaborations will transform our understanding of the human brain, provide novel treatments for brain disorders, and promote brain health throughout the lifespan.
Gene Vector and Virus Core (GVVC) is an academic service center and one of the six Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute Community Labs at Stanford University. The delivery of recombinant genes into neurons is a critically important strategy for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying all brain functions, as well as for how these mechanisms go awry in brain disorders. The GVVC accelerates biological research by generating and distributing robust and reliable viral genetic tools both within Stanford as well as to the broader research community. GVVC benefits the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s overall mission by preventing the duplication of efforts by Stanford faculty and thus greatly increasing the efficiency of all of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s programs.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Life Science Research Professional 1 performs experiments and conducts analyses consistent with GVVC’s mission of producing high quality gene expression vectors for the academic science community. The LSRP1 is expected to apply prior education with a focus on molecular biology to perform mammalian tissue culture, to generate and purify a variety of viral vectors, and to generate new plasmid constructs. The LSRP1 is also expected to perform duties necessary for the smooth operation of an active academic service center, which includes but is not limited to wet lab maintenance and upkeep, interaction with ordering scientists, and active collaboration with other GVVC staff.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Life Science Research Professional 2 leverages prior practical training and experience, in addition to formal education, to independently perform all of the day-to-day duties associated with the operation of a thriving academic service center. The LSRP2 generates viral vectors and other molecular constructs, and is expected to critically analyze critical quality control data to ensure the delivery of high quality vectors to our academic partners. The LSRP2 may be expected to supervise, either formally or informally, junior staff members. The LSRP2 may be expected to assume certain leadership responsibilities when more senior staff are unavailable. The LSRP2 must be able to apply their expertise to identify and diagnose suboptimal procedures, and provide constructive feedback to the Director in order to improve GVVC’s service offerings. The LSRP2 may interact with commercial partners to maintain unimpeded operation of the laboratory environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in related scientific field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated mammalian cell tissue culture experience.
• Experience with viral production/purification (AAV, Lentivirus) preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
  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.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated mammalian cell tissue culture experience.
• Experience with viral production/purification (AAV, Lentivirus) preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
  The expected pay range for this position is $71,000 to $88,000 per annum.
  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.

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 correctable 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.

CORE DUTIES:

• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in the 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.

CORE DUTIES:

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s). Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project.
• Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.
• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; apply to ongoing research and development of new protocols.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section, and to publication of findings. Present ongoing work to colleagues and/or academic conferences.
• Oversee supply and equipment budget under supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
• Supervise (either formally or informally) staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.
• Oversee the daily activities of the laboratory including lab maintenance; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.