Life Science Research Professional 2

Stanford Reglab; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford Reglab in Palo Alto is seeking a research scientist to contribute to infectious diseases and geographic medicine projects. You will perform independent experiments, design studies, and interpret results, working with multidisciplinary teams and guiding junior staff as needed.

You will apply DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing techniques, analyze data, review literature, and help prepare manuscripts. A strong analytical mindset and meticulous record-keeping are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a life science field, with relevant work experience.
• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, and real-time PCR.
• Experience with Illumina and/or Nanopore sequencing is desired.
• Excellent analytic and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s) and advise on experimental design.
• Perform complex lab or field experiments to collect data for major projects.
• Interpret and analyze results and modify procedures as needed.
• Develop new research protocols when literature lacks guidance or adaptation is required.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams across faculties or schools.
• Perform literature reviews and apply findings to ongoing research and protocols.
• Contribute to manuscripts and present findings at conferences.
• Oversee supply and equipment budgets under PI or business manager supervision.
• Coordinate with health and safety to ensure compliance and trainings.
• Supervise staff or students, providing technical direction and mentorship.
• Oversee daily lab operations including maintenance, stock, inventory, and general support.

Skills

DNA extraction

PCR

Real-time PCR

Illumina sequencing

Nanopore sequencing

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Descriptive analysis

Data modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field

Master's degree in related scientific field

Tools

Illumina sequencing

Nanopore sequencing

Job description

Our division encompasses all aspects of infectious diseases and geographic medicine, including clinical microbiology, hospital epidemiology, AIDS, international health, mechanisms of pathogenesis, the role of microbes in chronic & unexplained disease, human microbial ecology, parasitology, microbial & viral genomics, and tropical medicine.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related scientific field.
• Experience or equivalent training with DNA extraction, PCR, real-time PCR.
• Experience with Illumina and/or Nanopore sequencing is desired.
• Excellent analytic and problem-solving abilities.
• Skills in descriptive analysis, and modeling of data.

Applying a comprehensive understanding for the theories and methods of a life science discipline, perform work directly involved in research projects, interpreting results and participation in experimental design.

Core Duties

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s). Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project.
• Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.
• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; apply to ongoing research and development of new protocols.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section, and to publication of findings. Present ongoing work to colleagues and/or academic conferences.
• Oversee supply and equipment budget under supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
• Supervise (either formally or informally) staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.
• Oversee the daily activities of the laboratory including lab maintenance; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.