Life Science Research Professional 1 (12-month Fixed Term)

The Department of OB/GYN seeks a Life Science Research Professional 1(LSRP1) to assist with research projects involving treatment of stress urinary incontinence or/and pelvic floor prolapse with stem cells and understanding the basic pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorders. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) where the urethral sphincter is deficient allowing for leakage of urine with activities. Standard surgery for SUI is effective in 80% of patients. Dr.Chen’s lab has developed stem cell therapy which has the advantage of safe skin biopsy, cell “rejuvenation” through the process of iPSC reprogramming, and ability to produce a large homogeneous cell population. 

The LSRP 1 will be responsible for assisting senior laboratory members in the preparation and analysis of hiPSC reprogramming with mRNA/RNA method, expansion, banking and characterization of these new derived hiPSC lines, differentiation to smooth muscle cell progenitors (pSMCs) differentiated from autologous iPSCs and then prepared for injection into the urethral sphincter of the small animals to aid regeneration of a deficient urethral sphincter muscle. The LSRP1 will assist multiple projects and must manage time efficiently in doing so. The LSRP1 will work independently under general guidance from the scientist and must have the ability to recognize irregularities in experimental results and modify experiments as needed. Multiple techniques and skills are necessary and include: techniques of molecular biology, tissue culture, qPCR and RNA extraction. The LSRP1 will be in direct contact with a scientist for experimental design and troubleshooting, but experiments will be scheduled and performed by the LSRP1 independently. Additionally, the LSRP1 will order supplies and prepare some reagents for use by other members of the lab and will train new researchers in basic protocol, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Due to the nature of the lab's work, some experiments the LSRP will manage may deviate from a standard work day.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-basedcomputer 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 correctible 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 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 infectiousdiseases 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:

• Interpersonal skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with externalorganizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safetyconcerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors bases on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to thepersonnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

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.