Research Assistant

Stanfordlivetickets; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University’s Department of Neurology is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Life Science Research Professional 1) to support, manage, and facilitate activities in a lab focused on glia in normal brain plasticity and glioma biology. The candidate will contribute to experiments, maintain detailed records, and help translate preclinical findings toward clinical relevance.

Desired: a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences, three years of lab experience, and proficiency with FACS, PCR, cell

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related field.
• At least three years of laboratory experience.
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Experience with FACS, PCR, cell culture, Western blot, ELISA, cloning, sequencing; CRISPR/Cas9 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate experiments in glioma and glia biology.
• Maintain accurate, detailed lab records and data management.
• Assist with preclinical studies and translation of findings to potential clinical applications.

Skills

Excellent documentation skills

Lab experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related field

Tools

FACS analysis

PCR

Western blotting

ELISA

Cloning

Sanger sequencing

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing

Job description

The Department of Neurology is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Life Science Research Professional 1) to support, manage and facilitate activities in the lab whose interest is in elucidating the role of glia in normal brain plasticity and the pathophysiology of glioma (malignant glia). The lab’s research program focuses on gliomas such as glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and the microenvironmental determinants of normal and malignant neural precursor cell behavior. Microglial influences on normal neural precursor cell function and the impact of microglial neuroinflammation following cancer therapies on cellular mechanisms of neuroplasticity and brain homeostasis is one area of deep focus (Monje et al, 2002, Nature Medicine, Monje et al, 2003, Science, Monje et al, 2007, Annals of Neurology, Gibson et al., 2019 Cell). The regulation of normal and malignant glial cells by neuronal activity is another area of particular emphasis (Gibson et al., 2014, Science; Venkatesh et al., 2015, Cell) and the research group is working to decipher and therapeutically target the molecular mechanisms that underlie neuronal interactions with gliomas (Venkatesh et al, 2017, Nature). In addition to these studies of mature neurons in the glioma microenvironment, we also study the influences of neural precursor cells on glioma (Qin et al., 2017, Cell). Together with these basic studies, the research program executes preclinical studies of novel therapeutics for high-grade gliomas (Grasso et al, 2015, Nature Medicine; Nagaraja et al, 2017, Cancer Cell; Mount et al, 2018 Nature Medicine) in order to translate new therapies to the clinic for glial cancers.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or other relevant science.
• Three years prior lab experience.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• FACs analysis, PCR, culture of human and mouse cells, Western blotting, ELISA assays, cloning, SANGER sequencing CRISPR/CAS9 genome editing a plus.

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.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
• Position may require repetitive motion.

*- 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:

• 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.