Neuroscience Research Professional 1

The Stanford Translational Aggression and Addiction Research (STAAR) Lab in the Department of Psychiatry seeks a Neuroscience Research Professional 1 to study how neuronal circuits in the mammalian brain control behavior. Under the supervision of the PI & Senior Postdoctoral Fellows, the Neuroscience Research Professional 1 will be responsible for running mouse behavioral paradigms and for conducting stereotaxic surgeries to inject viruses and implant neuronal recording and manipulation devices into the mouse brain. The Neuroscience Research Professional 1 will work independently and with other lab members to perform these surgeries and administer post-operative care to animals. In addition, the Neuroscience Research Professional 1 will be responsible for histological preparation and microscopy imaging, as well as maintenance of a subset of the mouse colony, which will require tissue collection from mice and processing of genomic DNA. This position is fully onsite.

For more information regarding Stanford Translational Aggression and Addiction Research (STAAR) Lab, please visit https://www.staarlab.com/research

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:

• Six months or more of laboratory experience
• BA/BS degree.
• Knowledge of mouse colony maintenance and animal care
• Knowledge of intra-cranial stereotaxic survival surgery and virus injection
• Knowledge of intracardiac perfusion, tissue sectioning and mounting, immunohistochemistry, microscopic image acquisition

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.
• This position is fully onsite.

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.

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.

** - COVID VACCINE COMPLIANCE: Stanford University requires all faculty, staff, postdocs, and students coming on-site to work at a Stanford location to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. If you are offered and accept a position with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, proof of vaccination documentation must be provided upon hire and all members of the department are expected to comply with all appropriate safety protocols.