Lab Research Assistant

The School of Engineering

Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world''s most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world''s most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.

The Electrical Engineering department in the School of Engineering seeks a Lab Research Assistant to provide direct support for a faculty member's lab. This is a highly interdisciplinary project at the intersection of device engineering, materials science, and molecular biology; and involves multiple collaborations. The role will involve device fabrication, in vitro testing, and pre-clinical testing in animals. In addition, the person will be expected to maintain accurate laboratory records, and stock laboratory supplies. This is a great opportunity for engineers interested in gaining research experience in an interdisciplinary area combining engineering with translational research before applying for graduate/medical school.

Education & Experience (Desired):

• Previous lab experience with some of the following techniques would be advantageous: Microfabrication and/or microfluidics, device assembly and prototyping, mammalian cell culture, histology staining, biomolecular assays (ELISA, Western Blot, RNA extraction, qPCR, confocal microscopy), and animal work (surgery, bleeding, blood glucose measurements, necropsy).
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• Good communication skills.

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.

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.

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 based 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

Core Duties:

• 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor''s degree in related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.

Core Duties:

• 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor''s degree in related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.