Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 3 to perform complex functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct a major portion of the research project(s).
The cancer systems biology laboratory of Professor Sylvia Plevritis in the Department of Biomedical Data Science is composed of both experimental and computational researchers, working side by side, to advance the understanding of cancer biology and improve patients’ outcomes. Together, we develop and apply AI-guided single cell and spatial biology approaches to create dynamic tissue maps within a tumor microenvironment in response to therapeutic interventions. Our ultimate goal is to guide precision treatment for individual patients. You will be analyzing and supporting work involving human tumor samples and preclinical models to infer properties of cancer progression and drug response, within a dynamic, multidisciplinary and highly collaborative team.
Duties include:
- Design research approaches for a major portion of research project(s), including background research, experimental design and execution, problem solving, and writing up for publication.
- Conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods.
- Manage all laboratory equipment (maintenance, repairs, and orders), and stocks/inventories, including tissue specimens/sections, tumor organoids, cell lines, antibodies, and lab chemicals/drugs.
- Develop and optimize protocols for analyzing clinical specimens and preclinical models for the study of Tumor Microenvironment (TME).
- Screen, conjugate, and validate the antibodies for multiplexed immunofluorescent in situ imaging in fresh frozen and FFPE tissues.
- Conduct and design single cell and spatial biology experiments involving human tissue and multicellular organoids.
- Maintain detailed records of the experiments and outcomes by keeping an up-to date laboratory notebook and electronic catalogs, keeping a strict organization system for usage and organization of reagents.
- Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.
- Contribute substantially to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section. May be a co-author on publications. Present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
- Formally supervise and train new staff or students as needed, including hiring, performance management, and related duties. Provide instruction on techniques and consultation on project work.
- Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; propose new research directions based on new advances discussed in literature.
- Assist with new research proposals and applications for funding and grants.
- Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.
- Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
- Oversee supply and equipment budget under minimal supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
- Work with the health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD in cancer biology, cell and/or molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology or a related scientific field.
- At least two years of relevant research experience.
- Expertise with human cancer specimens and organoids, single cell technologies including highly multiplexed in-situ imaging (Phenocycler), spatial transcriptomics, flow cytometry, single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), and other standard cellular and molecular experimental techniques.
- Ability to think critically, design experiments, interpret results, troubleshoot, and optimize experimental protocols independently or with limited guidance.
- Ability to work in teams, contribute to publications and grants, and train lab members on experimental techniques.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and four years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field and two years relevant experience; or PhD in related science field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
- Expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project.
- General computer skills, experience with databases and scientific applications, and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
- Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
- Developing project management skills.
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:
None
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.
