Lab Assistant

About the role

The Electrical Engineering department in the School of Engineering seeks a Lab Assistant (Life Science Research Professional 1) 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, involving multiple collaborations. The role involves device fabrication, in vitro testing, and pre-clinical testing in animals, as well as maintaining accurate laboratory records and stocking laboratory supplies. This position has been deemed critical by the School of Engineering Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

Work arrangement

This is a 1-year fixed-term position, onsite at the Stanford main campus. Visa sponsorship is not available; all candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. Stanford University employees should apply through the Opportunity Marketplace within Sequoia.

Pay

The budgeted base salary range for this position is $32.87 to $40.52 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Perform fabrication and testing of devices (under direction) using a variety of laboratory protocols and equipment.
• Record results accurately and troubleshoot procedures.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and perform biomolecular assays (ELISA, qPCR, western blots, immunohistology staining, and others).
• Perform work that includes microfabrication, engineering, and electrical/electronic testing of device platforms.
• Perform animal work that involves surgery, regular bleeds, blood glucose measurements, etc.
• Keep accurate logs of all experiments performed and communicate findings to supervisor.
• Attend courses in safety procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous, flammable, corrosive, and toxic materials.
• Carry out all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable regulations and protocols.
• 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 teamwork within and between departments and organizations.
• 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 researcher.
• 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.

Requirements

Minimum education and experience

Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• 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.

Preferred qualifications

• Microfabrication and/or microfluidics
• Device assembly and prototyping
• Mammalian cell culture
• Histology staining
• Biomolecular assays (ELISA, Western Blot, RNA extraction, qPCR, confocal microscopy)
• Animal work (surgery, bleeding, blood glucose measurements, necropsy)