The Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Life Science Research Professional 2 to join Dr. Sergiu Pasca’s research program in a 2-year fixed term role.

Our Stanford research team seeks to understand the rules that govern the molecular and cellular steps underlying the assembly of the human brain and the molecular mechanisms that lead to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. We are developing bottom-up approaches to generate and assemble, from multi-cellular components, human neural circuits. More specifically, we have pioneered the generation from human pluripotent stem cells of brain region-specific organoids (Nature Methods 2015; Neuron 2017; Nature Methods 2019; Nature Neuroscience 2019) and assembloids (Nature 2017; Nature Biotechnology 2020; Cell 2020), which we applied to gain mechanistic insights into disease (Nature Medicine 2018; Nature Medicine 2020). Our ultimate goal is to identify novel and reliable drug targets for neuropsychiatric disorders.

The candidate for this position will join an enthusiastic and multi-disciplinary team at Stanford, and should ideally have experience with human stem cells, neural differentiation, primary tissue culture or assay development and high-throughput screens.

 For more information on the Pasca lab and research being performed please visit their website at www.pascalab.org.

 

Duties include:

Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s) related to building brain organoid and assembloid models. Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator. Independently conduct experiments (cell culture, electrophysiology) 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. 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

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DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  Knowledge and experience with neurobiology, stem cell biology, molecular biology techniques, electrophysiology and cellular assays

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EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE(REQUIRED): Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree or PhD in a related scientific field

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

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. 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.

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*- 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.

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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.

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The expected pay range for this position is $81,130 - $94,895 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing it's 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.

* - 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: 105412 Work Arrangement : On Site