Life Science Research Professional 2 (On-Site Only)

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 85,376 - 99,581; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University’s Hernandez-Nunez Lab is seeking a Research Specialist with a strong background in Systems or Computational Neuroscience. The role focuses on brain-body interactions in larval zebrafish, collaborating with engineering, neuroscience, biology, and physics experts. This 2-year fixed term exempt position is fully on-campus.

The candidate will conduct and interpret experiments, develop protocols, and contribute to publications while working under Prof. Luis Hernandez-Nunez.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field; or Master’s degree.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Preferred: programming experience in Python and/or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s).
• Independently conduct complex experiments to gather data for a major project.
• Interpret and analyze results and modify procedures as needed.
• Develop new research protocols where existing methods are insufficient.
• Contribute to preparation of papers for publication and present findings.

Skills

Scientific principles

Computers & data skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities & Sciences Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 24 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Department of Biology at Stanford University is devoted to discovering fundamental knowledge of the living world: from the behavior of single molecules to dynamics of cells, organisms, populations, and interactions of biological systems with our planet. We are dedicated to developing innovative training experiences for the next generation of biologists, and to building an inclusive learning environment that unites scientists from diverse disciplines and life experiences to creatively address critical questions for today’s world. Learn more at https://biology.stanford.edu/

POSITION SUMMARY

The Hernandez-Nunez Lab is seeking a research specialist with a strong background in Systems Neuroscience and/or Computational Neuroscience. The research specialist will work under the general supervision of Prof. Luis Hernandez-Nunez and will be part of the multidisciplinary research team of the Hernandez-Nunez Lab. The research specialist's primary focus will be on organism-wide circuits for brain-body interactions in larval zebrafish. Our interdisciplinary team, with expertise in engineering, neuroscience, developmental biology, and physics, thrives on diverse perspectives.

Brain-Body Interactions Research at the Hernandez-Nunez Lab in the Department of Biology

https://www.hernandez-nunez-lab.com/

This is a 100% FTE, 2-year fixed term exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Other duties may also be assigned.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this class of job classifications 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

PREFERRED/DIFFERENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB.
• Experience working in systems or in computational neuroscience.
• Ideally (but not required) experience working with zebrafish.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.

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.

The expected pay range for this position is $85,376 to $99,581 per annum.

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.

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 at [e-mail]. For all other inquiries, please submit 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.