Life Science Research Professional 2

Life Science Researh Professional 2 - Mackall Lab

The Mackall lab seeks to discover fundamental principles that control tumor and immune interactions and to apply these insights to develop novel immunotherapies for cancer. Current areas of major focus include in depth studies of the molecular and cellular processes that govern T cell exhaustion, identification of new immune targets expressed by cancer and leveraging emerging synthetic biology platforms to create next generation chimeric antigen receptors that manifest enhanced potency, regulatability, multispecificity and exhaustion resistance. We are a multidisciplinary team, which spans undergraduate researchers, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, medical students and physicians and early career and senior scientists with expertise in cellular immunology, molecular immunology and oncology, synthetic biology, computational science and clinical investigation. The Mackall laboratory works closely with clinical and translational investigators within the Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy to test novel therapeutics in early phase clinical trials and to identify biomarkers of response and mechanisms of resistance to cancer immunotherapies.

The Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) is one of an elite number of National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country, and is a prominent, dynamic, growing and complex Institute within the Stanford University School of Medicine. The SCI actively works to build synergies and collaborations among faculty with cancer-relevant expertise from four Schools and over 30 departments across Stanford University. We seek a LSRP2 to help us enact our mission to reduce cancer mortality through comprehensive programs of cancer research, treatment, education and outreach. Given the SCI's mission, breadth, and depth, it employs over 325 staff members in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and forward-thinking environment with tremendous opportunities for personal and professional growth. You will be working with an unparalleled leading-edge community of faculty and staff who are fundamentally changing the world of healthcare in the cancer arena.

Reporting to a Senior Research Scientist, the LSRP2 will be conversant in the goals, mission and priorities of the Institute. We are seeking candidates with excellent organizational and communication skills. Our staff run toward challenges, and you will have a demonstrated history of doing the same with a high degree of professionalism, initiative and flexibility.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Outstanding mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Expertise in mouse handling, live imaging, gavage, IP injection, blood and tissue extraction and processing, and mouse models of human tumors (NSG and immunocompetent).
• Expertise isolating and cryopreserving human T cells from buffy coats or leukopacks.
• Expertise manufacturing and expanding CAR-T cells in vitro.
• Expertise profiling T cell cytotoxic activity by co-culture assays and by measurement of cytokines secretion via ELISA and intracellular cytokine staining by flow cytometry.
• Expertise profiling T cell exhaustion and phenotype by multidimensional and spectral flow cytometry and antibody panel design (preferred platforms: Fortessa and Aurora).
• Expertise in lentivirus and retrovirus engineering, manufacturing, concentration and characterization.
• Expertise cloning and generating chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and TCRs utilizing retroviral and lentiviral backbones.
• Expertise in CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPRoff and CRIPRon technologies for knock-in, knock-out and gene editing.
• Proficient use of Flowjo, GraphPad, Incucyte and DIVA software, as well as SnapGene for sequence analysis and designing cloning strategies.
• Expertise in basic cellular and molecular biology techniques including, but not limited to, PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, DNA and RNA extraction, bacterial transformation, in-fusion cloning, using restriction enzymes for gene engineering, small and large scale plasmid purification, sequencing, western blotting, transfection by electroporation, transduction of viral supernatants into human primary cells and cell lines, processing of mouse blood and tissue dissociation for flow cytometric analysis.
• Outstanding experimental design, data interpretation and troubleshooting.

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 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 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.

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.