Life Science Research Professional 1

We are seeking a Life Science Research Professional 1 (LSRP) to join a multi-disciplinary team consisting of molecular biologists, geneticists, medical doctors, and computational scientists. We seek to recruit an ambitious and talented LSRP that has an interest in the basic science of stem cells, cardiovascular diseases and drug discovery. The project builds on our recent initiatives in the Stanford University Cardiovascular Institute to generate large numbers of human iPSCs for disease modeling and drug screening.

https://med.stanford.edu/mercolalab.html 
https://med.stanford.edu/cvi.html

The LSRP will schedule and implement the differentiation of human iPSC lines into cardiomyocytes with the goal of sustaining a cardiomyocyte pipeline for drug discovery studies. The applications for the cell production include primary phenotypic screening, elucidation of novel targets, and physiological assays for evaluating cardiotoxicity. As part of the team, he or she will help implement the lab’s robust and reproducible differentiation protocol using our gene edited human iPSCs and assist work on toxicity and drug screening.

The LSRP will be responsible for the maintenance of patient-specific iPSC, CRISPR-edited stem cell lines,  differentiating and maturing cardiomyocytes to create faithful disease models. He or she will also be part of a team that performs various QC assays during the differentiation process. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cell culture and quantitative skills and a strong desire to participate and learn about disease modeling and therapeutic target discovery.

The expected core hours and presence in the workplace is between 8-9 am to 5-5:30 pm, from Monday to Friday and occasionally during weekends depending on cell culture duties. 
 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A Bachelor of Science in molecular biology or related discipline.
• Excellent organization and record-keeping skills.
• Experience and understanding of biological safety regulations and procedures.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively with team members and collaborators.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience and excellent practical skills in human cell culture techniques.
• Experience in the application of molecular biology methods.

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 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.
• Position may require repetitive motion.
   

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:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; 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 the personnel 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.