The Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics (SCBE) is a national leader in bioethics research and ethics consultation, especially on cutting-edge ethical issues related to emerging biotechnologies such as genomic testing and gene editing. SCBE seeks a Biocurator to provide reference and research assistance and curation for a new Center for ELSI Resources and Analysis (CERA), funded by the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Research Program of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health. The goal of the CERA is to enhance the production and use of research on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics and genomics by ELSI and genome researchers, clinicians, scholars, journalists, policy makers, community members and other stakeholders.

The web-based platform will serve as a research knowledge base, a resource to enable curation and synthesis of key topics in the field, and as a locus for community-building. The Bioethics Curator will develop search strategies to identify ELSI research from a wide variety of literature databases, including medical, legal, humanities and business literature and news sources to identify resources to populate the knowledgebase, as well as to assist with systematic reviews. The Bioethics Curator will develop and oversee curation procedures. The Bioethics Curator will also work with Stanford faculty from (SCBE) the Department of Biomedical Data Science to participate in development of a novel ELSI ontology. Experience with academic literature databases required.

Duties include:

• Collect, analyze and interpret information from peer-reviewed scientific journals and/or through direct submissions by applying specific scientific content knowledge. Abstract data into the required format, and verify for accuracy.
• Review complex, scientific submissions to the database for quality and relevancy; abstract information in the required formats. Review, research and resolve quality control reports findings.
• Conduct independent research of scientific literature and other available research to add content to the database and identify upcoming research opportunities.
• Develop documentation regarding effective use of the database for user community, typically professors, students and citizen scientists.
• Research and ensure resolution of user inquiries such as content and web site issues.
• Test new functionality with software to determine issues. Escalate and follow up on identified issues.
• Maintain quality control and integrity of databases and query tools for data mining as part of a collaborative team based on technical content expertise in a scientific field, such as molecular biology or chemistry.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports and publications regarding research progress by researching data/statistics and investigating errors or changes of data are accurate.
• Create and participate in presentations and demonstrations of the database at conferences or other institutions

* - Other duties may also be assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience with academic research databases.
• Knowledge of biomedical ethics and/or medical terminology.
• Strong literature research skills.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific field, and one year of related experience, or combination of relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Solid analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral English communication skills.
• Computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to understand scientific literature, experimental procedures and their limitations, and current needs of the research community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
• Occasionally stand, walk, and write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh up to 10 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work extended or non-standard hours based on project or business needs. Occasional local travel may be required.
• Some work may be performed in a laboratory setting.

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 based 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.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4181
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: F