"Life Science Research Professional"

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.

Department of Bioengineering
Stanford Bioengineering is a dynamic and rapidly growing department within the School of Engineering and School of Medicine. For more than a decade, Stanford Bioengineering has sought to advance bioengineering as a fundamental engineering discipline grounded in basic sciences, powered by a unique set of engineering concepts and principles that is capable of realizing many diverse applications. Our community ranges broadly, consisting of esteemed alumni, world class faculty, and dynamic staff and students. It includes some of the world's most successful leaders in science, technology and business. As staff, you are critical to supporting our organization’s goals and enabling us to accomplish our mission of conducting cutting-edge research and formulating innovative solutions to global challenges through the field of bioengineering.

The Department of Bioengineering is seeking a full-time Life Science Research Professional to join the KC Huang lab, whose focus is understanding the human microbiome at the molecular and physical level, to develop better therapies for human disease. The gut microbiota, the dense and diverse community of microbes that occupy the gastrointestinal tract, perform many important functions for host physiology, including metabolism, xenobiotic processing, and protection against pathogen invasion. We aim to leverage novel technology and approaches to advance microbiome science. There is a significant and growing body of evidence that the small intestinal microbiome is altered in most gastrointestinal disorders and likely contributes to disease progression and severity. The microbiota of the human small intestine, however, is understudied due to technical limitations of sampling this site and because fecal samples only represent the distal colonic microbiota. To overcome this barrier, we employ novel capsule-based microbiome sampling device for use in humans, to define site-specific microbial ecology of the small intestine in humans. You will work closely with senior researchers and the PI in support of the laboratory research while also supporting basic lab operations, including ordering as well as maintenance of media and fungal culture stocks. Familiarity with cultivation of bacteria and molecular biology, including isolation of DNA from cellular samples, is strongly desired.

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.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• 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 researchers.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience cultivating anaerobic bacteria and evaluating quantitative host behavioral phenotypes during colonization is preferred, along with experience using MATLAB and R and working with metagenomics and 16S.

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 principals 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.

Working Conditions:

• May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
• Requires 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.

Physical Requirements: [detailed list omitted for brevity, but include key points if space]

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

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.