Life Science Technician I

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Flexible work options

Commuter transportation

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Technician to perform basic molecular biology experiments for skin biology and cancer-related therapeutics in the Khavari Lab of the Department of Dermatology.

The role involves cell isolation, tissue culture, and maintenance of reagents, with a focus on precise documentation and adherence to safety standards in a laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• One year’s employment experience in laboratory work or a combination of equivalent education and relevant work experience/training.
• Experience in molecular biology and cell culture including primary cells preferred.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and keep accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Assist in cell isolation and tissue culture procedures and perform basic molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Contribute to preparation and maintenance of lab stock reagents, solutions and supplies.
• Document work accurately and maintain lab records.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Documentation

Education

One year lab experience or equivalent education

Tools

PCR machines

Spectrophotometer

Cell counter

Job description

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment

Anticipated Shift:
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. The anticipated shift is based on the operational needs and can change at any time, with notice.

The Program in Epithelial Biology in the Department of Dermatology, seeks a Life Science Technician (LST1) to perform basic functions and activities involved in the execution of molecular biology experiments designed for skin biology, therapeutics related to cancer, as well as genetic diseases. Work in the stimulating and collaborative environment of the Khavari Lab where cutting edge research is being done and breakthrough therapies are being pursued both in the lab itself and within the Epithelial Biology research environment.

Responsibilities include assistance in cell isolation and tissue culture procedures and performance of basic molecular and cell biology techniques. The LST would also be involved in preparation and maintenance of lab stock reagents, solutions and supplies.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

At least one year of research experience in molecular biology and experience working with cell culture including primary cells preferred. Candidate should possess technical skills and problem-solving abilities generally associated with one year of laboratory experience or one year of college coursework in experimental science.

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.
• Ability to stand and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Occasionally lift and handle materials up to 10 pounds
• Rarely carry/pull and/or push up to 20 pounds
• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.

* - 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:

Work occurs in a research laboratory environment. Depending on research, may work in the vicinity of animals, chemicals, gasses, or hazardous materials. Expected to follow all safety requirements and procedures including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required.

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 based on training and lessons learned.
• Very simple animal dissection such as removing a readily accessible organ, preparation before and assistance during surgery, administration of medication and post-surgery care.
• Histological procedures involving fixation of tissue and staining specimens with stains that do not require microscopic control in proceeding from step to step.
• Maintenance and transfer of established cell lines where the culture conditions are well defined.
• Biochemical assays (often colorimetric or spectrophotometric) of compounds or enzymatic activity using well-established procedures where the determination of any settings or adjustments is provided to the technician.
• Molecular biology assays (polymerase chain reaction, sequencing reactions) where the protocol is well established.
• Operation of instruments (e.g., spectrophotometer, fraction collector, scintillation counter, PCR machines, light microscope, cell counter) where the settings are simple or prescribed; techniques such as centrifugation (not involving density gradients) or limited black and white photography.
• Isolation, purification and maintenance of bacteria and basic manipulation of bacterial plasmids using well-established protocols; determination of the concentration of cells.
• Complete and accurate documentation of the work performed.
  

Minimum Education and Experience

One year’s employment experience in laboratory work or a combination of equivalent education and relevant work experience/training (e.g., one year of college science).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Work requires the ability to follow detailed instructions and keep accurate records.
• Pay Range $33.33 to $40.19
• Pay Frequency Hourly
• Fixed Term N
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Medicine
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary RegularJob Category Bargaining Unit -TMS
• Posting Date 08/11/2026, 10:18 PM
• Grade A18 - Bargaining Unit Role
• Job Identification 200564

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Benefits that support you, and your future

• 18+ PTO days per year
• Health benefits start when you start
• Flexible work options
• $6000+ annual tuition and training assistance
• 403(b) plan
• Mental health and wellness programs
• Free and discounted commuter transportation
• Applies to regular full-time positions.

Notice to Applicants
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this 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.
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 their job.
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.
Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations hips.

Why work at Stanford

World-changing work in a culture of continuous learning

An inspiring community that values collaboration

High-quality health and wellness benefits that put you and your family first

Access to world-class education and career development, with tuition reimbursement, training assistance, and more