Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) supports the nation’s second largest research program conducted among the VA Hospitals and is looking for a part-time Life Sciences Research Assistant. The Research Assistant will support ongoing projects aiming at elucidating the mechanisms of various cardiovascular diseases including calcific aortic valve disease, coronary vasospasm, and diabetes. The Research Assistant will support the research of a wet laboratory under the direction of the Principal Investigator - Ian Y. Chen, MD, PhD – Assistant Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine and Radiology at Stanford University.
Duties include performing basic molecular and cell biology experiments on biological tissues, stem cells, and their derivatives in the laboratory, as well as helping to perform chart biopsy, recruit patients, and applying electronic devices on patients for monitoring of their heart rhythm in clinics.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: College-level coursework and lab work in biology;
• Valid Driver License is required for occasional travel to Stanford Campus;
• Prior experience in a research laboratory, as well as experience with various biology techniques including PCR and Western blot strongly desired;
• Desired: Previous experience in a variety of research techniques/methods and follow-up data collection;
• General computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and procedures;
• Knowledge of safe handling/storage of biohazardous chemicals and bloodborne pathogens;
• Some knowledge of research procedures and protocols gained through education or experience;
• Good communication skills (written and verbal);
• Ability to work independently and proactively, with good organizational skills;
• Ability to work within a team context and collaborate with other lab personnel.

• Daily maintenance and passaging of primary cells and pluripotent stem cells, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into endothelial cells, cryopreservation of pluripotent stem cells and their derivatives;
• Digest human valve tissue with collagenase and isolate endothelial cells from human valve tissue.
• Analyze cells and tissue using molecular and cellular assays (i.e., qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, ELISA).
• Perform chart biopsy to identify and recruit study patients;
• Explain the study procedures to study patients;
• Obtain informed consent per defined protocol;
• Answer any study-related questions from the study patients;
• Apply electronic heart monitoring devices on patients;
• Assist with tracking study patients for follow-up assessments.
• Other research related duties as necessary (i.e., prepare buffers, media, data analysis).