"Lab Research Assistant"

Note - This is a one-year fixed term position. This position has been deemed critical by the School of Engineering Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

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 Electrical Engineering department in the School of Engineering seeks a Lab Research Assistant to provide direct support for a faculty member’s lab. This is a highly interdisciplinary project at the intersection of device engineering, materials science, and molecular biology; and involves multiple collaborations. The role will involve device fabrication, in vitro testing, and pre-clinical testing in animals. In addition, the person will be expected to maintain accurate laboratory records, and stock laboratory supplies. This is a great opportunity for engineers interested in gaining research experience in an interdisciplinary area combining engineering with translational research before applying for graduate/medical school.

In this role, you will:

• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Perform work that includes microfabrication, engineering, and electrical/electronic testing of device platforms. Perform fabrication and testing of devices (under direction) using a variety of laboratory protocols and equipment. Record results accurately and troubleshoots procedures.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines, and perform biomolecular assays (ELISA, qPCR, western blots, immunohistology staining, and others).
• Performs animal work that involves surgery, regular bleeds, blood glucose measurements, etc.
• Keeps accurate logs of all experiments performed and communicates findings to supervisor.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Conduct literature searches and reviews, compiling information for journals and suggesting uses for new techniques to the P.I. Attend courses, lectures and conferences to further own knowledge of research and laboratory techniques, consulting with other researchers and technicians to exchange information.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Attend courses in safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous, flammable, corrosive and toxic materials. Carries out all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable regulations and protocols. Help with general lab maintenance as needed.
• Contribute to the teamwork within and between departments and organizations.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.

Education & Experience (Required):

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):

• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principles 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.

Education & Experience (Desired):

• Previous lab experience with some of the following techniques would be advantageous: Microfabrication and/or microfluidics, device assembly and prototyping, mammalian cell culture, histology staining, biomolecular assays (ELISA, Western Blot, RNA extraction, qPCR, confocal microscopy), and animal work (surgery, bleeding, blood glucose measurements, necropsy).
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• Good communication 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.

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 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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

Pay Range:

The expected pay range for this position is $32.58 to $38.48 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for you:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

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 résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.