Life Sciences Research Professional 1

The Giardino Lab within the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University is seeking a talented, creative, ethical, and hard-working employee in the position of Life Science Research Professional 1 who will be passionate about performing basic functions and independently conducting and analyzing portions of experiments in defined research projects. We are looking for a highly motivated behavioral neuroscientist to contribute to our efforts in identifying the molecular, physiological, and circuit mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions of stress, addiction, and sleep disturbances. You will work directly as a key member of the research team while receiving mentorship from Dr. Giardino, the Giardino Lab, as well as resources provided by the Psychiatry Department and the Stanford Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. Learn more at giardinolab.org

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have: prior neuroscience wet-lab experience, strong organizational and analytical skills, ability to meet deadlines, willingness to learn/master techniques such as measuring & manipulating neural activity in rodent animals, and the ability to attain a high degree of independence in a fast-paced and dynamic research environment.

Candidates should include a CV and Cover Letter (1-2 brief paragraphs) addressing your interest in the position.

Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 1 to perform basic functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct and analyze experiments.

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:

• In vivo behavioral neuroscience research experience
• Competency with rodent transcardial perfusions and stereotaxic surgeries
• Competency with viral and transgenic technologies
• Excellent programming and data analysis abilities (MATLAB, Python)
• Stellar verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with mouse colony maintenance, genotyping/PCR, histology, immunostaining, and confocal microscopy

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.

The expected pay range for this position is $53,000 to $76,000 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.