Research Associate, Gnotobiotics

at  Stanford University

The Stanford Microbiome Therapies Initiative (MITI) is a dynamic and rapidly growing group within Sarafan ChEM-H. Started in 2019, MITI aims to harness the incredible power of the microbiome for therapeutic benefit and advance human health, a key tenant of Sarafan ChEM-H. Sarafan ChEM-H is a new interdisciplinary institute focused on connecting Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health. The institute was founded as a joint venture of the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences. The proximity of world-class biologists, chemists, engineers, and clinicians at Stanford presents a unique opportunity to study human biology at a molecular level, to translate this knowledge into groundbreaking products and services that promote healthy living, and to educate a new cadre of “physician-scientist-engineers” who will lead a rapidly evolving industry.

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POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Associate, Gnotobiotics will be responsible for overseeing germ-free mouse facilities and facilitating germ-free mouse experiments using gnotobiotic isolators. You will be working closely with multiple faculty laboratories from the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences focusing on human microbiome research, facilitated by Sarafan ChEM-H and MITI. Candidates should have good hands and strong organizational skills. Ideal candidates are self-starters, comfortable with autonomy, and embrace opportunities to tackle new problems and challenges as part of a dynamic team in a start-up-like environment within the University.

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:

• Animal husbandry experience.
• Comfortable handling mice.
• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 1 year of experience performing mouse husbandry using gnotobiotic isolators, including monitoring mouse conditions and sterilization of materials for introduction into germ-free isolators.
• Experience with mouse colony maintenance.
• Basic mouse handling and breeding skills, including oral gavage and blood draw.
• Basic microbial culture methods.

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.

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s) with an emphasis on experiments that require use of germ-free mice. Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to the multiple faculty principal investigators, students, and postdocs engaged in the microbiome research program.
• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project with an emphasis on gnotobiotic mouse experiments, including fecal sample collection and analysis.
• 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. May 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.
• May 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.