Lab Assistant

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Engineering Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

For Stanford University employees, please apply through the Opportunity Marketplace within Sequoia.

Note: This is a 1 (one)  year fixed term position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

Work Arrangement: This position is onsite, working at the Stanford main campus.

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

The School of Engineering

Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.

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; and involves multiple collaborations. The role will involve device fabrication, in vitro testing, and pre-clinical testing in animals. In addition, the person will be expected to maintain accurate laboratory records, and stock laboratory supplies. This is a great opportunity for engineers interested in gaining research experience in an interdisciplinary area combining engineering with translational research before applying for graduate/medical school.

In this role you will:

• Perform fabrication and testing of devices (under direction) using a variety of laboratory protocols and equipment. Record results accurately and troubleshoots 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.
• Performs animal work that involves surgery, regular bleeds, blood glucose measurements, etc. 
• Keeps accurate logs of all experiments performed and communicates findings to supervisor. 
• Attend courses in safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous, flammable, corrosive and toxic materials. Carries 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 the teamwork within and between departments and organizations.

Preferred Requirements: 
Previous experience with some of the following techniques would be advantageous;

• 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)

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.