Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 4 to perform functions and activities involved in managing major portions of complex research projects and original scientific contributions.
The Department of Pathology is a founding department of the Stanford School of Medicine and one of the leading departments in the United States. Our preeminent faculty spans from emerging leaders to highly accomplished physicians and scientists, including a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy. Our mission is to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and basic understanding of the human disease. This is done through discovery (research), education, and clinical care.
You will be working with an unparalleled leading-edge community of faculty and staff that are fundamentally changing the world of health care. You will have the opportunity to influence and drive change with your innovative ideas, the ability to make a difference and participate in human advancements. Our culture is fast-paced, energetic, and growing all of the time.
We offer a variety of benefits beyond traditional medical, dental, retirement, and savings options:
- Events and program for children, sports camps, tuition options
- World-class intellectual stimulation through learning and development classes, workshops, and onsite conferences from leading-edge speakers and faculty
- Work/life and family-friendly policies and reimbursement
- Participation in Stanford's social responsibility and sustainable programs for a better world
- A vibrant university culture that values the uniqueness of each individual
We are seeking candidates who are progressive thinkers, see challenges as simply problems to solve, and have the spirit and energy to change the world.
About the Department of Pathology:
Comprised of extraordinary faculty and staff, our mission is to improve the ability to diagnose, treat and understand the origin and manifestation of human disease, and to care for those who have or are at risk to develop disease. We accomplish this through our clinical services (in all fields of anatomic and clinical pathology, including molecular and genomic pathology, histocompatibility testing and transfusion medicine) and research (which includes basic, translational and clinical research into the origins and manifestations of disease, including efforts to improve disease prediction and prevention as part of the goal of achieving precision medicine and health), and also by educating future leaders in pathology and related fields. Everything we do is to achieve the goals of providing the highest quality of clinical services to the patients for whom we passionately care, to advance our ability to understand, diagnose, monitor and ultimately to cure disease or to prevent or delay its occurrence, and to provide outstanding education and career development opportunities to those who share these goals.
For more information about the department, visit http://pathology.stanford.edu
About the Lab:
The Solomon Lab in the Department of Pathology at Stanford University School of Medicine is a collaborative group that brings together expertise in cell biology, genomics, and computational analysis to study brain and nerve sheath tumors. The lab uses advanced technologies, including next-generation sequencing, genome-wide DNA methylation profiling, and genetically engineered human cell models, to advance tumor classification and improve clinical outcomes. Its research seeks to define the mechanisms by which genetic alterations cause brain tumors to form and to identify genomically tailored therapeutic approaches. Current areas of focus include a novel subtype of schwannoma driven by indel mutations in the SOX10 transcription factor and gliomas arising in the setting of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
About the Position:
The LSRP 4 position in the Solomon Laboratory in the Department of Pathology at Stanford University School of Medicine will work within a team of laboratory-based and computational scientists seeking to advance the mechanistic understanding, classification, and treatment of brain and nerve sheath tumors.
This wet-laboratory position will have responsibility for major components of complex research projects involving genetically engineered mouse models and human cell culture models of molecularly defined brain and nerve sheath tumors. Experimental activities will include breeding and analyzing genetically engineered mouse models; developing primary human and patient-derived cell culture models using CRISPR-mediated genome editing and lentiviral shRNA delivery; and applying biochemical and molecular biology methodologies, including PCR, immunoblotting, and tissue culture.
In addition to conducting advanced experiments, the LSRP 4 will establish research approaches for assigned projects, integrate and critically evaluate findings across experimental modalities, determine appropriate next studies, lead the development and validation of novel methodologies, and advance projects from scientific planning through publication. The position will exercise independent scientific judgment and make original contributions that may influence project priorities, methodologies, and future research directions, with limited PI oversight.
Additional responsibilities will include supporting laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and organization.
Desired Qualifications:
- PhD in a related scientific field, such as molecular biology or cancer biology.
- Experience with the growth and genetic manipulation of primary human cell cultures and cell lines in vitro.
- Experience working with recombinant mouse models, including breeding, husbandry, and tissue dissection.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively in a team-science environment with collaborators who provide complementary expertise in computational data science and other modalities used to address complex questions in mechanistic, disease-focused research.
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.
- Position in 100% onsite.
Core Duties:
- Lead multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
- Design research approaches for the entire project, 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; oversee critical analyses of data from entire project.
- Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.
- Participate in creating new research proposals, and prepare for submission for funding and grants.
- Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.
- Contribute original ideas of major methodologies that alter the course of the investigation or develop innovative solution(s) to complex research problems.
- Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; proceed without consultation with principal investigator to implement new techniques into research project.
- Co-author publications; may present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
- Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
- Supervise other staff, including hiring, performance management, and related duties. Provide instruction on complex techniques and direction on projects.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and six years of relevant work experience; or Master's degree in a related scientific field and four years relevant experience; or PhD in related scientific field and two years of relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Extensive 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 is essential.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
- Strong project management and leadership skills.