Life Science Research Assistant Jobs in California

Life Science Research Professional

Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 1 to perform basic functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct and analyze experiments.

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 the time.

We offer a variety of benefits beyond traditional medical, dental, retirement, and savings options:

• Events and programs for children, sports camps, and 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:

The Department of Pathology at Stanford School of Medicine, one of its founding departments, stands as a leader among its peers nationwide. 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 human disease. This is done through discovery (research), education, and clinical care.

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 of developing 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.

About this Position:

We are recruiting a Life Science Research Professional to contribute to research efforts focused on developing T cell-based cancer therapies. The LSRP's work involves using synthetic re-writing of human T cell genomes using non-viral gene editing in high-throughput arrayed and pooled genetic screens.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary group, the LSRP will assist with the preparation and processing of biological samples, including isolation and culture of primary human immune cells, and will support gene editing and sequencing workflows using established protocols. The LSRP will perform functional assays, including flow cytometry and cell-based co-culture assays, as part of defined experimental workflows.

Additional responsibilities include supporting next-generation sequencing library preparation and assisting with the organization and documentation of experimental data. This position represents an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to advanced genetics and genome engineering technologies in a dynamic research environment while contributing to ongoing research within established workflows under supervision.

Duties include:

• Plan the approach to experiments in support of research projects in the 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 a senior researcher.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to the 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 the orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
• Due to the nature of the work, this position will be fully onsite.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior training in flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with basic concepts of next-generation sequencing library preparation workflows.
• Comfortable working with tissue samples from deceased human donors.

Education & Experience (Required):

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills, and 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-solving 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.

Physical Requirements*:

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 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 correctable vision to perform the 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 bloodborne 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.
• Due to the nature of the work, this position will work fully on-site.

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 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 course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans