Life Science Research Professional 2 (12-Month Fixed-Term)

About the Department

The Department of Radiology is committed to excellence in patient care and inventing the future of Medical Diagnostics, Biomedical Imaging, and minimally invasive therapies. Stanford Radiology is world-renowned, pushing the boundaries of innovation in physics and engineering to develop enhanced anatomic and functional imaging methods. Multidisciplinary teams, alongside industry collaborators, create new methods for early cancer detection using molecular imaging, nanotechnology, and systems biology, while improving targeted, least invasive, and compassionate cancer care. The department plays a key role in advancing personalized medicine by translating laboratory advances into clinical practice.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s) and make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to the principal investigator.
• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for major research projects.
• Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and modify existing procedures and protocols.
• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification of standard procedures is required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Perform ongoing literature reviews to remain current with new procedures and apply findings to research and protocol development.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section, and to the publication of findings. Present ongoing work to colleagues and/or at academic conferences.
• Oversee supply and equipment budgets under the supervision of the principal investigator or business manager.
• Work with the health and safety department to ensure lab compliance with regulations and all required trainings.
• Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.
• Oversee daily laboratory activities, including lab maintenance, stock management, chemical inventory and safety records, and general lab support. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or a Master’s degree in a related scientific field.
• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

Desired Qualifications

• Equivalent working experience or Ph.D. in stem cell biology, immunology, or a related field. Post-doctoral experience is preferred in stem cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with molecular biology, mouse handling and procedures, flow-cytometry analysis and cell sorting, mammalian cell culture, RNA-sequencing, and microscopy.
• Additional experience in computational biology is welcome.
• Ability to independently design and troubleshoot experiments.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, GraphPad Prism, R, and other related software.

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 their 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.

Work Standards

• Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promotes a culture of safety by demonstrating commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures.