Life Science Research Professional 1, Neurosurgery
The Owen lab is seeking a highly motivated Life Science Research Professional 1 (LSRP-1) in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University to contribute to cutting-edge research in modulation of cell-types in neurological disease. Our group develops and applies new technologies for recording and manipulating the activity of distinct classes of neurons in the human and mouse brains. We study physiological mechanisms that govern different types of learning and impulsive behavior, and how defects in the cortex and basal ganglia impair these abilities in Parkinson’s Disease, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Autism. The successful candidate will independently perform mouse behavioral experiments, and manage the rodent colony, and assist graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with brain slice tissue preparation for physiological recordings and immunohistochemistry. Responsibilities may also include in vitro whole-cell electrophysiology approaches, imaging, and stereotaxic viral delivery techniques. Opportunities for training in these techniques are available in the Owen Lab. Applicants are not required to have exposure to these techniques in the past but should be willing and interested to learn new techniques as they work in the lab.
This would be an ideal position for a recent or upcoming bachelor’s seeking to gain laboratory research experience using state-of-the-art techniques in neuroscience prior to applying to graduate school, and it is our intention for the selected candidates to contribute meaningfully to projects and co-author peer-reviewed publications.
Duties include:
- Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
- Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
- Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
- 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, and provide general lab support as needed.
- Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
*- Other duties may also be assigned.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences or engineering.
- One year of work experience in a basic science laboratory.
- Prior experience with experimental techniques including PCR, genotyping, sequencing, immunohistochemistry, vibratome tissue sectioning, microscopy, maintenance of transgenic mouse lines, electrophysiology, mouse behavior preferred.
- Willing to learn new techniques.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
- Comfortable with handling small animals.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
- Ability to work on multiple assignments, set priorities, change priorities with ease, take initiative in defining and executing tasks, good judgement and ingenuity, and excellent organization and time-management skills.
- Interpersonal skills and desire to work as part of a dynamic team.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
- Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals 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.
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.
The expected pay range for this position is $54,000 to $71,000 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.
As an organization that receives federal funding, Stanford University has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/working-stanford/covid-19/interim-policies/covid-19-surveillance-testing-policy