Senior Life Sciences Research Specialist

1 week ago


Stanford CA, United States Stanford University Full time


The Andrews Lab at Stanford University, within the Department of Medicine's Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, is in search of a Senior Life Sciences Research Specialist to contribute to our innovative research laboratory.

The selected candidate will engage in more intricate functions and responsibilities related to specific research initiatives, autonomously executing a segment of the research projects.

This role involves direct participation in the execution of research activities led by the Principal Investigator (PI) and achieving the objectives of the PI's funded research endeavors.

The Senior Specialist is anticipated to formulate protocols and procedures, as well as interpret and analyze research findings. Additionally, the position includes laboratory management tasks such as procurement of supplies and equipment, maintaining laboratory documentation, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

The individual will collaborate with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, and will be expected to independently conduct and evaluate experiments utilizing techniques in molecular biology, microbiology/bacteriology, and genomic sequencing.

Joining a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team, the Senior Specialist will work towards addressing complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in global infectious diseases.

Our Division of Infectious Diseases covers a wide array of topics, including research and clinical care related to COVID-19, clinical microbiology, hospital epidemiology, AIDS, international health, mechanisms of pathogenesis, chronic and unexplained diseases, human microbial ecology, parasitology, microbial and viral genomics, and tropical medicine.


Key Responsibilities:
Independently execute a segment of the research projects. Provide insights on experimental design and/or research direction to the principal investigator. Conduct sophisticated (laboratory and/or field) experiments to collect data for significant research projects. Analyze and interpret results, often in the absence of established guidelines, and modify existing procedures and protocols as necessary.

Develop innovative research protocols when appropriate methodologies are not documented in existing literature or when adaptation of standard procedures is required.

Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams across various faculties or schools.

Engage in continuous literature review to stay updated with new methodologies and relevant research; apply findings to ongoing research and the development of new protocols.

Contribute significantly to the drafting of research papers for publication, particularly in the results section, and assist in disseminating findings. Present ongoing research to peers and at academic conferences. Manage supply and equipment budgets under the supervision of the principal investigator or business manager. Collaborate with the health and safety department to ensure laboratory compliance with regulations and required training.

Supervise (formally or informally) staff or students as necessary, providing guidance on techniques and project work.

Serve as a technical resource for other research personnel.

Oversee daily laboratory operations, including maintenance; manage laboratory inventory, chemical safety records, and provide general laboratory support as needed.

May assist in the procurement of laboratory equipment.

Desired Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Experience or equivalent training in DNA extraction, PCR, and real-time PCR is preferred. Familiarity with Illumina and/or Nanopore sequencing is advantageous. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in descriptive analysis and data modeling.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED): Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline and two years of pertinent work experience; or a master's degree in a related scientific field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED): Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles. General computer proficiency and the ability to quickly learn and master scientific applications, databases, and software. Strong analytical capabilities and sound judgment. Ability to maintain meticulous records of experiments and outcomes. Ability to operate under deadlines with general guidance is essential. Excellent organizational skills and a proven ability to accurately complete detailed tasks.

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 shoulder level, sort and file paperwork or parts. Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls. Must have correctable vision to perform job duties.

Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for extended periods.

Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in environments that may be dusty, dirty, or odorous. Position may require repetitive motion.

Working Conditions:
May involve working in close proximity to bloodborne pathogens. May require work in settings where animals are utilized for educational and research purposes.

Position may occasionally necessitate working with or in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.

Employee must perform tasks requiring the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, and possibly a respirator.

May require extended or unusual work hours based on research demands and operational needs.

Working Standards:

Interpersonal Skills:
Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with Stanford colleagues and clients, as well as with external organizations.

Promote Culture of Safety:

Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and values safety; communicates safety concerns; employs and advocates safe practices based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to personnel policies and other guidelines found in the University's Administrative Guide.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $71,000 to $88,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides salary ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position.

The salary 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 compensation for comparable roles.

At Stanford University, base salary represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website 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. Why Stanford is for You Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy.

Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak. A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources. A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits. Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Enviable resources . Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts, and more.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification 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. 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. 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.



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