Life Sciences Research Associate – Regenerative Medicine

PAVIR facilitates research and education activities conducted at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. We work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists and recruit employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through innovative health research.

About the role

The Research Associate will design, implement, and lead basic and applied research projects independently and in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and other research staff. This position is responsible for developing areas of investigation toward improved methodologies and innovative therapies in regenerative medicine by combining state-of-the-art stem cell therapeutics with advances in material science. These investigations will involve developing new techniques and identifying methodologies for practical solutions for routine clinical use.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced biological techniques and procedures using live animals (mice), animal tissue, and cells
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator on the design and execution of laboratory experiments
• Serve as the main contact for experiments
• Develop and validate experimental protocols
• Analyze data from experiments
• Prepare charts for presentations and publication
• Write papers on projects for publication
• Perform general lab organization
• Guide and train lab technicians or other lab members
• Other research activities as assigned

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline
• At least 0-2 years of prior research experience
• Animal handling experience
• Advanced knowledge of scientific research methodology
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments as necessary
• Exquisite record keeping and experimental documentation capabilities
• Excellent organizational skills

Qualifications

• Three years of experience working with rodents and computational biology (desired)
• Strong scientific writing skills and demonstrated capacity to drive first-author publications (desired)
• Knowledge of safe handling/storage of biohazardous chemicals and bloodborne pathogens (desired)
• Solid training in general lab skills such as micro-pipetting, PCR analysis, cell culture, immunofluorescence staining, and biomaterials characterization (desired)
• Solid training in analytical skills, including routine calculations of dilution factors and solution concentrations, as well as using Excel and other programs for data calculation, analysis, or biostatistical analysis (desired)
• Knowledge of research procedures and protocols gained through education or experience
• Experience in a variety of research techniques/methods and follow-up data collection
• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and procedures
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including public speaking
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Ability to work within a team context and collaborate with other lab personnel

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, vision, dental)
• 14 paid holidays
• Paid vacation time and sick pay
• 401(k) with a fully vested 6% company match and 3% profit share
• Wellness program
• Commuter benefits
• Professional development training
• Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance (fully paid by employer)

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week.