"Life Science Research Professional 2"

The Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection at Stanford University is seeking a highly motivated Life Science Research Professional 2 to join the Mark Davis laboratory using human immune organoids to study the fundamentals of human immunology in order to advance our understanding of responses to vaccination or infection. You will be working with Dr. Mark Davis, a world leader in immunology. As an LSRP2, your duties will include processing human samples, cell culture, performing classical immunology experiments (flow cytometry, ELISA), and participating in cutting edge technologies (including CyTOF, single cell RNA-seq, and single cell ATAC-seq, and techniques in development in the lab). You will function largely independently on a daily basis after training, with close guidance and supervision from a research scientist. Your work will be central to several major research projects, and co-authorship on high-impact publications is expected.

The research will require you to be adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Learning new techniques in the lab or from other labs to increase expertise will be encouraged. Candidates should have excellent communication skills, be highly organized, and comfortable with new technology. BS degree, or equivalent, with previous experience in laboratories is required. This position will provide an outstanding experience for a career in science, medicine, or biotechnology.

Davis Lab Website: https://med.stanford.edu/davislab.html

Duties include:

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s). Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments 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.
• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.
• 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:

• Experience with human blood and tissue sample processing
• Experience in vitro cell culture. Experience in organoid set up will be a plus.
• Experience with immunology-based assays including ELISA and multicolor flow cytometry analysis. Experience with FACS sorting is preferred.
• Some experience with genomics/transcriptomics assays (such as single-cell and bulk RNAseq, qPCR, DNA/RNA isolation, etc.) is desired.
• Be able to follow well stablished protocols and keep detailed record of experiments.
• Experience with immunological data analyses software and competence with Excel and other data handling software.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED): Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field.

KNOWLEDGE, 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.

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.

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.