Stanford University is seeking a Science and Engineering Associate 2 for a 1 year fixed-term to perform advanced technical research utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, specimens, plans, designs, reports, and/or data analysis. Provides supervision overseeing technicians and/or support staff.
The Allen Lab (Laboratory of Resilience Biology) in the Department of Developmental Biology at Stanford University School of Medicine (http://www.allenlabstanford.org) studies the fundamental principles of biological resilience to create new ways of treating aging and disease.
This position will manage and execute large-scale pooled genetic screening projects while overseeing critical lab operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the hands-on execution of screening experiments including molecular biology (PCR, cloning, DNA preparation, sequencing), viral vector production (lentivirus and AAV), cell culture, FACS sorting, library and viral quality control, genetic construct design, and single-cell genomics workflows (particularly 10X Genomics Flex).
A key aspect of this role involves project management and coordination across multiple research groups. The associate will supervise a research assistant, track and ensure delivery of project milestones for data production initiatives, interface with collaborators to coordinate research activities, and serve as the primary liaison for disseminating results between partner laboratories. The position requires strong organizational skills to manage complex multi-stakeholder projects while maintaining day-to-day lab operations. This is an ideal opportunity for someone seeking to lead large-scale research initiatives in a collaborative academic environment.
Duties include:
• Support complex scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, or senior administrative officers to oversee complex non-routine analyses, select optimum solutions, and perform corrective modifications to equipment and system designs.
• Carry out all activities, including troubleshooting and resolving routine problems for scientist or engineers, independently.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to design and develop special purpose equipment and/or systems.
• Participate in the planning, design, and implementation of scientific or engineering initiatives, and work toward project objective.
• Oversee a laboratory space or unit, and supervise the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.
• Serve as a resource in review of research proposals and research capabilities, and make recommendations.
• Establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Develop training manuals and safety guidelines, and train new instrumentation users, researchers, and/or technical staff.
• Perform supervisory duties, including overseeing the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/project, supervising the regular installation, maintenance, and operation of complex scientific or engineering projects, and training technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.
*- Other duties may also be assigned
The expected pay range for this position is $109,982 to $136,085 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.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master's degree in molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, or related field preferred
• 2+ years experience with CRISPR-based genetic screening technologies
• Demonstrated experience with viral vector production (lentivirus and AAV) including concentration and titration
• Proficiency in molecular cloning techniques (Gibson assembly, Golden Gate cloning, traditional restriction cloning)
• Experience with flow cytometry and FACS sorting for cell isolation
• Hands-on experience with single-cell genomics platforms, particularly 10X Genomics (Flex, Gene Expression)
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile technique
• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing library preparation and quality control
• Basic bioinformatics skills for analyzing pooled screening data (R or Python preferred)
• Experience managing complex multi-stakeholder research projects
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interfacing with collaborators
• Experience with project management and tracking deliverables/milestones
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or related field and three years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills of advanced scientific or engineering principles and practices.
• Demonstrated experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and performing special technical services involving both development and performance.
• In-depth experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.
• Ability to independently oversee and manage instrumentation or system installation.
• Ability to collaborate with senior engineering and scientific staff to design and develop special purpose equipment and/or systems.
• Experience overseeing the plan, design, and implementation of major scientific or engineering initiatives and ensuring project objective are met.
• Demonstrated ability to review research proposals, evaluate research capabilities, and make recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Experience overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
• Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully.
• Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >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.
Additional PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Extended periods of standing while performing bench work (4-6 hours)
• Fine motor skills for pipetting and microscopy work
• Ability to work in biosafety cabinet for extended periods
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, Allergens/Biohazards/Chemicals /Asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights ?10 feet, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather.
• May require travel.
Additional WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Work with biological materials including viral vectors requiring BSL-2/BSL-2+ containment
• Exposure to cell culture media and biological specimens
• Work with UV light sources and fluorescent microscopy equipment
• Occasional weekend or evening work required for time-sensitive experiments
