JOB PURPOSE:

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the center of a world-class liberal arts education at Stanford University. H&S encompasses 23 departments—from Art and Art History, English, and History to Economics, Mathematics, and Biology—as well as 23 interdisciplinary programs. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

The research laboratory of Dr. Martha Cyert, PhD, in the Department of Biology at Stanford University is looking to hire a research specialist with experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology and biochemistry. Research will focus on establishing signaling pathways in human cells that are regulated by calcineurin, the conserved Ca2+/calmodulin-regulated protein phosphatase including analysis of substrate phosphorylation/dephosphorylation (in vivo and in vitro) and physiological consequences of this regulation.  Calcineurin plays critical roles in the immune system and is the target of immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporin A and FK506. The Cyert lab is systematically identifying many additional roles for this enzyme, including regulation of the nuclear pore complex (see Wigington et al, Molecular Cell, 2020 and https://cyertlab.com/). These studies will uncover Ca2+-regulated processes and may shed light on the many adverse consequences of prolonged immunosuppressant use.

A PhD or equivalent research experience is recommended for this position. Exceptional organizational skills and demonstrated abilities to complete and keep records of experimental work accurately are essential, and experience with lab management and use of radioisotopes are preferred. Candidates should have experience with protein purification, cellular and biochemical assay development, quantitative data analysis and the culture and imaging of mammalian cells. Candidates must have strong analytical skills, be able to extract and apply critical information from the scientific literature, solve problems creatively, and work both independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and ability to train others in experimental procedures are also required.  A successful candidate will be motivated to contribute to and complete scientific projects and adapt to flexible, project-driven schedules and timelines.  This is an opportunity to join a highly collaborative research environment, to drive the direction of new and ongoing projects, to contribute as an author on scientific publications and present results at conferences.

CORE DUTIES:

• Design research approaches for a major portion of research project(s), including background research, experimental design and execution, problem solving, and writing up for publication.
• Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.
• Conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods.
• Assist with new research proposals and applications for funding and grants.
• Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.
• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section. May be a co-author on publications. Present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; propose new research directions based on new advances discussed in literature.
• Oversee supply and equipment budget under minimal supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
• Formally supervise and train new staff or students as needed, including hiring, performance management, and related duties. Provide instruction on techniques and consultation on project work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and four years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field and two years relevant experience; or PhD in related science field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• Expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project.
• General computer skills, experience with databases and scientific applications, and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Developing project management skills.

Certifications and Licenses:

None

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 the 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 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.

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. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4953
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: H
• Requisition ID: 87037