Stanford University
Life Science Research Professional 2 (On-Site Only)
Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306
Life Science Research Professional 2 (On-Site Only)
This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities & Sciences Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.
The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 24 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world‑renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
Department Description The Department of Biology at Stanford University is devoted to discovering fundamental knowledge of the living world: from the behavior of single molecules to dynamics of cells, organisms, populations, and interactions of biological systems with our planet. We are dedicated to developing innovative training experiences for the next generation of biologists, and to building an inclusive learning environment that unites scientists from diverse disciplines and life experiences to creatively address critical questions for today’s world. Learn more at https://biology.stanford.edu/.
Position Summary The Yan Lab at Stanford Biology is actively searching for intellectually motivated and self‑driven post‑baccalaureate trainees from a broad academic background (including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and relevant fields) to assemble a collaborative team of talent with complementary expertise and, most importantly, eager to learn and pursue new and challenging lines of research dedicated to advance our knowledge in cellular mechanics and force dynamics.
To study cellular mechanics in situ, we are developing new genetically encoded force sensors and tension gauges and constructing novel imaging platforms to directly visualize hidden physical parameters present inside and exerted by the cells. We will use optical tweezers to calibrate each molecular probe and identify constructs with proper dynamic ranges for probing cellular forces and tensions. The precise magnitude and dynamic coordination of these physical parameters are key to discerning how cells interpret and integrate mechanical cues both from within and among interfacing neighbors, which is the core of our lab’s research.
In the lab, you will work closely with other lab members as well as the principal investigator and be heavily involved in the planning, execution, and publication of exciting science. The day‑to‑day work will focus on designing and cloning plasmids, constructing and validating mammalian cell lines, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. You will also learn and apply high‑resolution imaging and biophysical techniques such as spinning disc confocal fluorescence microscopy and adaptive optical tweezers. Some time will be devoted to lab organization and safety. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with an undergraduate or master’s degree and previous experience with molecular/cellular biology techniques. Familiarity with mammalian stem cell culture or CRISPR‑based approaches is a plus but is not required.
We are fully committed to helping all lab members accomplish their professional goals by developing industry‑relevant skills, providing recommendation letters, and helping craft compelling applications. We especially encourage people from historically underrepresented backgrounds in science to apply. We aim to be gap seekers and bridge builders, and we hope you will join us to unravel the long hidden mechanical dimension in biology.
This is a one‑year fixed‑term position with a possible renewal.
Core Duties
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.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
Highly self‑driven, scientifically rigorous, and strong training/extensive experience in a subset (not all) of the following:
Molecular and cellular biology – molecular cloning; transcription and translation; cell culture and cell line constructs (e.g., embryonic stem cells, mammalian and insect cells), aseptic techniques and cell transfections; FACS; WB/IP/ChIP analysis
Biochemistry – protein folding, engineering and purification; molecular sensor and probe design; functional assay development; DNA and RNA template design and synthesis
Microscopy and instrumentation – optics, optical trapping, iSCAT, confocal and fluorescence imaging, microfluidics
Scripting, programming, coding – MATLAB, LabVIEW, Fiji/ImageJ, Python, and/or R for statistical analysis and image analysis
Proactive problem‑solving skills; ability to work independently and to take appropriate autonomous initiative to carry out research work.
Agile, adaptive, and accountable as a researcher and a team member; organized and diligent at documentation; outstanding ethics in handling scientific data and results.
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 $85,376 to $99,581 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.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Freedom to grow.
We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture.
We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
A healthier you.
Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun.
Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources.
Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full‑time
Job Code: 4952
Employee Status: Fixed‑Term
Grade: G
Requisition ID: 107615
Work Arrangement: On Site
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The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 24 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world‑renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
Department Description The Department of Biology at Stanford University is devoted to discovering fundamental knowledge of the living world: from the behavior of single molecules to dynamics of cells, organisms, populations, and interactions of biological systems with our planet. We are dedicated to developing innovative training experiences for the next generation of biologists, and to building an inclusive learning environment that unites scientists from diverse disciplines and life experiences to creatively address critical questions for today’s world. Learn more at https://biology.stanford.edu/.
Position Summary The Yan Lab at Stanford Biology is actively searching for intellectually motivated and self‑driven post‑baccalaureate trainees from a broad academic background (including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and relevant fields) to assemble a collaborative team of talent with complementary expertise and, most importantly, eager to learn and pursue new and challenging lines of research dedicated to advance our knowledge in cellular mechanics and force dynamics.
To study cellular mechanics in situ, we are developing new genetically encoded force sensors and tension gauges and constructing novel imaging platforms to directly visualize hidden physical parameters present inside and exerted by the cells. We will use optical tweezers to calibrate each molecular probe and identify constructs with proper dynamic ranges for probing cellular forces and tensions. The precise magnitude and dynamic coordination of these physical parameters are key to discerning how cells interpret and integrate mechanical cues both from within and among interfacing neighbors, which is the core of our lab’s research.
In the lab, you will work closely with other lab members as well as the principal investigator and be heavily involved in the planning, execution, and publication of exciting science. The day‑to‑day work will focus on designing and cloning plasmids, constructing and validating mammalian cell lines, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. You will also learn and apply high‑resolution imaging and biophysical techniques such as spinning disc confocal fluorescence microscopy and adaptive optical tweezers. Some time will be devoted to lab organization and safety. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with an undergraduate or master’s degree and previous experience with molecular/cellular biology techniques. Familiarity with mammalian stem cell culture or CRISPR‑based approaches is a plus but is not required.
We are fully committed to helping all lab members accomplish their professional goals by developing industry‑relevant skills, providing recommendation letters, and helping craft compelling applications. We especially encourage people from historically underrepresented backgrounds in science to apply. We aim to be gap seekers and bridge builders, and we hope you will join us to unravel the long hidden mechanical dimension in biology.
This is a one‑year fixed‑term position with a possible renewal.
Core Duties
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.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
Highly self‑driven, scientifically rigorous, and strong training/extensive experience in a subset (not all) of the following:
Molecular and cellular biology – molecular cloning; transcription and translation; cell culture and cell line constructs (e.g., embryonic stem cells, mammalian and insect cells), aseptic techniques and cell transfections; FACS; WB/IP/ChIP analysis
Biochemistry – protein folding, engineering and purification; molecular sensor and probe design; functional assay development; DNA and RNA template design and synthesis
Microscopy and instrumentation – optics, optical trapping, iSCAT, confocal and fluorescence imaging, microfluidics
Scripting, programming, coding – MATLAB, LabVIEW, Fiji/ImageJ, Python, and/or R for statistical analysis and image analysis
Proactive problem‑solving skills; ability to work independently and to take appropriate autonomous initiative to carry out research work.
Agile, adaptive, and accountable as a researcher and a team member; organized and diligent at documentation; outstanding ethics in handling scientific data and results.
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 $85,376 to $99,581 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.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Freedom to grow.
We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture.
We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
A healthier you.
Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun.
Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources.
Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full‑time
Job Code: 4952
Employee Status: Fixed‑Term
Grade: G
Requisition ID: 107615
Work Arrangement: On Site
#J-18808-Ljbffr