Life Science Research Professional 2, General Surgery

The Cepika Lab, in the Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, studies human immune tolerance. Using cellular immunology, genomics and gene engineering, we aim to understand (1) the role of human thymic regulatory T cells (Tregs) and inducible type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells in resistance to anti-tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapy, and (2) the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The lab is affiliated with the Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford Bio-X, Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, and the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, and works closely with clinical teams and shared research facilities across the School of Medicine.

We are seeking a Life Science Research Professional 2 to lead the single-cell genomics and flow cytometry portion of both research programs. The successful candidate will independently design, execute, analyze and troubleshoot experiments on primary human patient samples, perform tissue culture, develop new assays and protocols where none exist, contribute substantively to publications and presentations, serve as the laboratory''s technical resource and trainer for cytometry and single-cell methods, mentor students and interns, and help oversee day-to-day laboratory operations.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience in human immunology and translational research using primary human patient samples.

Desired experience and skills include:

• Single-cell RNA-sequencing library preparation and downstream bioinformatic analysis in R, including quality control, normalization, integration and batch correction, clustering, cell type annotation, differential expression and pseudotime/trajectory inference
• Command-line/UNIX proficiency and familiarity with sequence alignment and genomics tools (e.g. STAR, BWA)
• High-parameter flow cytometry panel design, staining, acquisition and analysis (FlowJo), including resolution of rare cell populations
• Independent operation, daily QC, maintenance, troubleshooting, scheduling and user training of a cell sorter (BD FACSAria II/III or equivalent)
• Isolation, processing, cryopreservation and thawing of human PBMC and tissue-derived cells, including intestinal biopsies; primary human T cell and antigen-presenting cell culture, stimulation, and in vitro differentiation, suppression and killing assays
• Independent development and optimization of novel assays and protocols
• Nucleic acid isolation, quantitation and quality control, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR and primer design
• ELISA and multiplex cytokine assays; plasmid design and molecular cloning (site-directed mutagenesis, PCR, transformation, miniprep)
• Familiarity with lentiviral vector production and gene editing of primary human cells is desirable
• Statistical analysis and scientific graphing (R, GraphPad Prism)
• Experience with IRB-approved human subjects research samples
• Experience training and supervising junior researchers
• Experience managing laboratory operations, inventory and procurement;
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office package
• Excellent written and oral scientific communication and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

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The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

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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.

Minimum Education and Experience

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:

• 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.

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.

Minimum Education and Experience

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:

• 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.