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.
The Stanford Micro-Nano-Bio Research Laboratory under the direction of Prof. Sindy Tang, in close collaboration with the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, is seeking a Physical Science Research Professional 1 to help in our mission to develop the next generation of rapid and accurate food allergy diagnostic, management, and treatment options. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research as part of a dynamic team between the Schools of Engineering and Medicine. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who want to gain research experience and work with cutting edge technologies at the intersection of human immunology (with a focus on food allergy), engineering diagnostic devices including microfluidics, microelectronics, microfabrication, 3D printing, and machine learning.
Your responsibilities include:
- Design, prototype, characterize, and improve key aspects of a label-free cytometer based on electrophysiological measurements of cell properties in the kilohertz to megahertz frequencies, including multiplexing electrical circuit to measure multiple channels in parallel.
- Establish and calibrate fluidic circuit integrating microfluidic channels, PID (Proportional – Integral – Derivative) controllers, micro-pumps, flow rate sensors, and valves.
- Analyze and report device precision/reproducibility, device linearity, detection limit using whole blood samples from allergic subjects and healthy controls.
- Calibrate the microscope, lock-in amplifier, current amplifier, syringe pumps, pressure pumps, etc. to ensure their normal functioning needed for the project.
- Review literature and identify most up-to-date methodologies for label-free flow cytometry and other electrophysiological measurements on biological systems.
- Troubleshoot complex methodologies and establish, maintain high standard procedures; modify existing protocols as case specific difficulties arise with minimal guidance from the PI.
- Write the materials and methods, results & discussions, create scientific plots and figures for the performed experiments which will be used in the publications/presentations.
- Independently recommend and perform experimental design and implement modifications to procedures and protocols in support of research projects in one or more disciplines, including electricity, mechanics, fluid mechanics, chemistry.
- Contribute to the design, engineering, construction and or installation phases of a portion of a major research project.
- Contribute to documented observations, analyses, and interpretations of results, which may include reports, summaries, and quantitative analyses.
- Analyze and interpret research data to recognize irregularities and invalid results. Develop statistical models allowing for integration and display of data. Make recommendations based on results.
- Provide data and analysis in support of research used in preparation of papers for publication and scientific and program reporting.
- Perform technical procedures, such as running and calibration of equipment, to gather data and optimize outcome of results in support of a research project.
- Modify research protocols and procedures based on new learnings from literature review and attendance at scientific conferences.
*Other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience (Required):
- Bachelors’ degree and two years of experience in related scientific fields, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):
- Demonstrated experience applying multidisciplinary scientific principles and practices to perform and assist with experimental design and coordinate laboratory activity.
- Demonstrated experience with analysis and interpretation of research data, and ability to recognize irregularities and invalid results.
- Demonstrated ability to organize data and develop models allowing for integration and display of data.
- Basic experience with scientific software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.
- Ability to coordinate and work with scientific or research staff and assist with technical procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to provide information to scientific and research staff.
Education & Experience (Desired):
- Master’s degree in related scientific field.
- Proficiency and experience with bioelectrical measurements, related instrumentation, electronics & circuit designs, especially in the kilohertz to megahertz frequency ranges.
- Proficiency and experience with microfluidics design, fabrication, implementation strongly desired.
- Experience in wet bench techniques and experiments with biological samples (e.g., blood) desired.
- Experience with machine learning methods desired.
- Candidate must be willing to learn new techniques and be capable of working with general supervision.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in teams across engineering and medicine.
Working Conditions:
- May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise>80 dB TWA, chemicals, asbestos, and heavy metals. May work in confined spaces; work at extreme heights and temperatures.
- May work extended or unusual work hours based on research and project requirements.
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.
*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 resume.
