Note – This is a 1 year fixed term position.
The School of Engineering
Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.
Department of Bioengineering
Stanford Bioengineering is a dynamic and rapidly growing department within the School of Engineering and School of Medicine. For more than a decade, Stanford Bioengineering has sought to advance bioengineering as a fundamental engineering discipline grounded in basic sciences, powered by a unique set of engineering concepts and principles that is capable of realizing many diverse applications. Our community ranges broadly, consisting of esteemed alumni, world class faculty, and dynamic staff and students. It includes some of the world's most successful leaders in science, technology and business. As staff, you are critical to supporting our organization’s goals and enabling us to accomplish our mission of conducting cutting-edge research and formulating innovative solutions to global challenges through the field of bioengineering.
The Bintu Lab, located in Shriram Center, is seeking a Life Science Research Professional to join our team as lab manager and research assistant. Responsibilities will be split 50-50 between lab management and research work. Your research work will focus primarily on developing new gene control and epigenetic engineering tools. Techniques used include molecular cloning, engineering of mammalian cell lines, CRISPR screens, and flow cytometry. The position will involve close collaboration with a friendly and inclusive interdisciplinary team. This is an excellent training opportunity for anyone interested in attending graduate school in Bioengineering, Biophysics, Genetics, Biology, other bio-programs or Medical School.
Your responsibilities 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.
- 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.
- Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, instrument maintenance (regular cleaning & service calls).
- Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
Additional duties:
- Flexibility with other tasks as assigned.
- Perform experiments and data analysis in support of research projects in the Bintu lab, ~50% of the time. This includes:
- Plan and coordinate experiments from beginning to end. Plan the experimental approach and independently conduct experiments after the training period (4-6 weeks). Example experiments include:
- molecular cloning of individual plasmids or pooled libraries,
- creation of stable engineered mammalian cell lines,
- flow cytometry and fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS),
- genomic DNA extraction and preparation of NGS libraries.
- Interpret data and findings, maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes, and suggest modifications to existing procedures when needed.
- May also be required to recommend changes in protocols to prevent reoccurrence of problems.
- *Other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience (Required):
- Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.
Knowledge, Skills, & 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.
Education & Experience (Desired):
- 3 months wet lab research experience, either as lab manager or research assistant. Strong academic record in molecular and cellular biology, biophysics, biochemistry or bioengineering. Experience in molecular lab techniques, specifically cloning and sterile tissue culture, would be a plus.
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.
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 the job.
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 based 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.
How to Apply:
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.
