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

• 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.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Other duties may also be assigned
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.

Desired Qualifications

• 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
• Competency with rodent transcardial perfusions and stereotaxic surgeries
• In vivo behavioral neuroscience research experience
• Competency with viral and transgenic technologies

Education & Experience (required)

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (required)

• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
• Position may require repetitive motion.
• 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.
• 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.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.

Working Conditions

• 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.
• 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.
• May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.

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.