The Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Life Science Research Professional 2 to join Dr. Sergiu Pasca’s research program in a 2-year fixed term role.
Our Stanford research team seeks to understand the rules that govern the molecular and cellular steps underlying the assembly of the human brain and the molecular mechanisms that lead to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. We are developing bottom-up approaches to generate and assemble, from multi-cellular components, human neural circuits. More specifically, we have pioneered the generation from human pluripotent stem cells of brain region-specific organoids (Nature Methods 2015; Neuron 2017; Nature Methods 2019; Nature Neuroscience 2019) and assembloids (Nature 2017; Nature Biotechnology 2020; Cell 2020), which we applied to gain mechanistic insights into disease (Nature Medicine 2018; Nature Medicine 2020). Our ultimate goal is to identify novel and reliable drug targets for neuropsychiatric disorders.
The candidate for this position will join an enthusiastic and multi-disciplinary team at Stanford, and should ideally have experience with human stem cells, neural differentiation, primary tissue culture or assay development and high-throughput screens.
For more information on the Pasca lab and research being performed please visit their website at www.pascalab.org.
Duties include:
- Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s) related to building brain organoid and assembloid models. Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
- Independently conduct experiments (cell culture, electrophysiology) to gather data for a portion of a major research project.
- Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
*- Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge and experience with neurobiology, stem cell biology, molecular biology techniques, electrophysiology and cellular assays.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED): Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree or PhD in a related scientific field.
KNOLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- 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.
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.
