Life Science Research Professional 1

About the Role

Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 1 to perform basic functions and activities involved in molecular, genomic, and in vivo cancer immunology research projects, and support laboratory experiments and data analysis.

We are recruiting a Life Science Research Professional (LSRP) to join a new research group within the laboratory of Dr. Ansuman Satpathy in the Department of Pathology. As part of a multidisciplinary group, the LSRP will work independently and also collaborate with other members on molecular, genomic, and immunologic studies. This position is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to basic laboratory skills as well as advanced genetics and immunology in a dynamic research environment, and will allow the LSRP to interface with an exceptional set of experimental and computational biologists.

About the Lab

The LSRP will work in the lab of Dr. Ansuman Satpathy, MD, PhD (Department of Pathology and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Stanford University School of Medicine). The goal of the lab is to apply cutting-edge immunologic and genomic technologies to study the immune response to cancer, and to design the next-generation of cancer immunotherapies for patients. The laboratory consists of an interdisciplinary team of physicians and scientists with backgrounds in medicine, immunology, cancer, and genetics. The Satpathy Lab studies fundamental principles of the immune system in health, infection, and cancer (Parker et al, Cell 2020; Flynn et al, Cell 2021). The lab particularly focuses on single-cell genomic and multi-omic technologies (Yost et al, Nature Medicine 2019; Rubin et al, Cell 2019) to study immunological mechanisms of disease directly in samples isolated from patients. For more information about our multidisciplinary research laboratory, see https://satpathylab.com/

Responsibilities

Major responsibilities include isolating and culturing primary immune cells, generating single-cell and bulk and single-molecule sequencing libraries, and assisting with research documentation and publication-related materials as needed. Additionally, the LSRP will be responsible for some basic lab operations. On the job training in specific techniques will be provided. As part of the role, there may also be opportunities for development of computational/bioinformatics skills.

Core Duties:

• 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in 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 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field, life science discipline, or related field.
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology workflows in a laboratory, such as molecular cloning procedures and PCR, is required.
• Experience with Sequencing Library preparation and cell culture is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in any of the following fields: cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, or related biology and bio-engineering fields.
• Other qualities of a successful application would include evidence of being self-motivated, possessing strong communication skills, and the ability and desire to perform as part of a team.
• Fluency in a programming language for biological data science analyses, including R (preferred), Python (preferred), Julia, C++, Perl, and/or Matlab is a plus but not required.
• Basic knowledge of the Unix command line environment is a plus but not required.

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 correctable 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 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.

Benefits

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

• Events and programs 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