Life Science Research Professional 2 (Laboratory Manager)

The Pleiner lab at Stanford Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, is seeking a Laboratory Manager (Life Science Research Professional 2) to assist and drive a fundamental research program in cellular and molecular biology.

A particular focus of the lab is to understand how human cells make and quality control multi-pass membrane proteins like transporters, receptors and ion channels that are essential for cellular physiology. Membrane proteins are the predominant targets of most modern drugs and understanding how membrane proteins biosynthesis is regulated to prevent misfolding and degradation is therefore of immediate biomedical relevance. We use an interdisciplinary approach to study membrane protein homeostasis by combining molecular & cell biology, structural protein biochemistry and protein engineering. In parallel the lab will develop novel methods and reagents (e.g. nanobodies) to both study and modulate protein quality control pathways that regulate cellular protein folding and degradation in health and disease conditions (e.g. cancer, neurodegeneration and ageing).

In the role of a Lab Manager you will spend roughly half of your time in providing laboratory leadership through management of day-to-day laboratory operations, including oversight of physical and digital research inventory, maintenance of lab equipment, as well as managing compliance with health and safety protocols. In addition, you will work independently to execute research experiments alongside lab personnel and students. You will have the opportunity to train lab members and troubleshoot experiments to contribute directly to our ongoing research projects and publications.

Wet lab experience in a biochemistry, molecular or cellular biology lab are required. The strongest candidates will have at least 1 year of full time research experience working with one or more of the following techniques: mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein expression/purification in bacterial and/or mammalian cells, molecular cloning, phage display. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented, has good communication skills and is looking for a stable long-term position. The candidate will have the opportunity to set up and shape the make-up of a new lab. They will also be able to work closely with and learn new techniques from the Principal Investigator (PI).

Our lab manager will also assist Tino in establishing an inclusive work space that fosters learning & curiosity, promotes team work and values mentorship to drive an innovative research program that pushes the boundaries of molecular biology. If these values and goals align with you, we are excited to receive your application and have you join our growing team!

Duties include:

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s). Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project.
• Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.
• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; apply to ongoing research and development of new protocols.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section, and to publication of findings. Present ongoing work to colleagues and/or academic conferences.
• Oversee supply and equipment budget under supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
• Supervise (either formally or informally) staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.
• Oversee the daily activities of the laboratory including lab maintenance; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.

*- Other duties may also be assigned

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Direct experience of working and carrying out experiments in a wet lab environment in a biochemistry, molecular or cellular biology lab performing basic/fundamental research.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, creative and motivated
• Good time management skills
• Ability to multitask, work independently and be proactive
• Good communication skills

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master's degree in a related scientific field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• 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, gloves, and face masks.
• 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 $67,000 to $88,000 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.