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 Stanford Microfluidics Foundry is a 1,000 square foot facility in the basement of the Clark Center that provides equipment, training, and technical advice for design, fabrication, and operation of simple microfluidic devices ideal for life science research. Stanford Microfluidics Foundry serves >50 active users from various departments across the Schools of Medicine and Engineering, leveraging Stanford’s unique strengths across clinical medicine, the basic life sciences, and engineering to promote advancements in interdisciplinary research.
The Stanford Microfluidics Foundry is seeking a dynamic and organized individual to serve as the Foundry Director and Outreach Coordinator. This role will ensure the smooth operation of the Foundry, providing essential training and technical support for Stanford researchers and fostering outreach initiatives aimed at broadening access to scientific research. The Foundry Director will play a critical role in maintaining and expanding the Foundry’s operations, managing relationships with internal and external users, and supporting educational programs, such as BioE 301D and summer internships. A significant portion of the position involves leading outreach initiatives, including efforts to engage underrepresented students in science and engineering.
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.
- Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.
- Perform 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.
- Assist with new research proposals and applications for funding and grants.
- Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
- Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.
- Contribute substantively 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.
- Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; propose new research directions based on new advances discussed in literature.
- Oversee supply and equipment budget under minimal supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
- Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
- Formally supervise and train new staff or students as needed, including hiring, performance management, and related duties, in addition to instruction on techniques and consultation on project work.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience in managing laboratory facilities and familiarity with microfluidic device fabrication techniques (e.g., photolithography, soft lithography).
- Experience with outreach and mentoring, with a proven commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in science.
- Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
- Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
- Experience teaching undergraduate courses is a plus.
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.
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.
