Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 1 to oversee the care and monitoring of our small and large research animals. The cardiovascular research laboratory of Y. Joseph Woo, MD, in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University, is looking to hire a research specialist to work with full-time clinician researchers. The laboratory investigates the development and implementation of innovative strategies to treat heart failure, valvular diseases, and cardiac revascularization, focusing on research that can be directly translated to the clinical realm. The focus of the current position is to be in charge of maintaining the mouse and rat colonies, as well as assisting with surgeries, postsurgical care, and imaging. As part of an NIH R01 funded lab, a research specialist in Dr. Woo’s lab will be instrumental in multiple projects at any given time and will gain extensive experience with both small and large animal models of cardiovascular diseases.
Responsibilities include: imaging studies such as echocardiogram, confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, fluorescent microscopy; assisting in small and large animal cardiac surgery; assisting in conducting biomechanical engineering experiments using our ex vivo left heart simulator, instron; MATLAB, Python, and ImageJ analysis; 3D live cell bioprinter tissue engineering and maintenance; Carbon M2 printer processing; mammalian cell culture. Lab members will have the opportunity to take a leadership role on a project with the goal of contributing to manuscript writing and grant proposals. The lab is a very dynamic environment where lab members can take full advantage of the myriad of resources present at a leading academic institution. The setting is ideal for very motivated individuals who desire an active role in a biomedical engineering research lab, while concurrently acquiring exposure to clinical medicine. Applicants with extensive experience with large (e.g. ovine, porcine) and small animals, engineering (bioengineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering), MATLAB, and tissue engineering preferred. Many of our past research specialists in our lab and others in our department have successfully entered medical, graduate, veterinary, and nursing school after their time here.
Duties include:
- Plan and perform experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory. Interpret and perform basic analyses of results.
- Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and related research.
- Offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with graduate post-doctoral individuals.
- Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- 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.
- Help orient and train new staff or students.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prior experience handling rodents.
- Meticulous documentation habits.
- Attention to detail.
- Day to day scheduling flexibility when monitoring pregnant animals or animals recently operated upon.
- Willingness to perform background reading on animal care.
- Desire to optimize and troubleshoot common animal husbandry issues (e.g. cannibalization, infighting, illness).
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND 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.
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 his or her job.
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.
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 bases 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.
