Research Assistant

Stanford University; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking a Research Assistant to support the marine community ecology lab at the Hopkins Marine Station. This role involves planning and performing experiments, maintaining detailed records, and contributing to research publications. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field and demonstrate excellent organizational and analytical skills. The expected pay range for this position is $32.58 to $38.48 per hour, and work is primarily on-site in Pacific Grove, CA.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field required.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principles.
• Meticulous record-keeping and attention to detail in laboratory techniques.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform experiments in support of research projects.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed.

Skills

Understanding of scientific principles

General computer skills

Strong record-keeping skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field

Bachelor's degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences

Job description

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring pause.

This position is on-site and based at Stanford Hopkins Marine Station campus in Pacific Grove, CA, with occasional visitation to the Stanford main campus.

Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

This is a one-year fixed term position with the possibility of renewal up to three years.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

About Us

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to create solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

The first new department approved as part of SDSS is the Oceans Department. The oceans are earth’s last frontier and are vital for our health and future. The Oceans Department supports the critical activities needed for breakthrough ocean teaching and research and uses inspired research to drive fundamental discovery and impact, including broad interdisciplinary and system-based approaches to addressing global ocean challenges. Our mission and vision are amplified by strong and durable linkages to other existing and emerging units in the new school and across campus.

A critical and major component of Stanford Oceans is Hopkins Marine Station (HMS) located in Pacific Grove, California. HMS has over a 130 year-long tradition as a renowned marine biological station with over 15 faculty, 40 staff, and 40 graduate students on site.

Position

The Micheli Lab is seeking a Research Assistant, a Life Science Research Professional 1 level, to join the marine community ecology lab at the Hopkins Marine Station doing a variety of tasks ranging from computer work and lab work to fieldwork. Other responsibilities include working under the supervision of Dr. Fiorenza Micheli and supporting graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in her lab on a variety of projects. In addition to supporting Dr. Micheli in the management of the lab, other responsibilities include ordering supplies, maintaining equipment and databases, helping organize meetings, contributing to reports, and preparation of visuals and communication materials.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory. Interpret and perform basic analyses of results.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and related research.
• Offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• 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, maintain equipment inventory, lab guides and onboarding documents, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students, including undergraduate research interns, and with scheduling of lab activities.
• The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

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 principles 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental sciences, Molecular Biology, or related scientific field.
• Previous laboratory research experience in academia or industry.
• Meticulous record keeping and organizational skills.
• Careful attention to detail in all laboratory techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate experiments with co-workers.

Working Conditions

• 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.
• 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 the job.

The expected pay range for this position is $32.58 to $38.48 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.