Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University was founded in 1961. The Department of Chemical Engineering was initially an outgrowth of the university’s Department of Chemistry. Early faculty pioneered or substantially influenced the emerging field of chemical engineering in a number of important areas including catalysis and transport/fluid mechanics. More recently, the department has added bioengineering and soft-material science to its core areas of excellence and has made a growing commitment to technology development that complements its long-held strength in fundamental applied science and molecular engineering. Chemical Engineering website: https://cheme.stanford.edu/

The Department of Chemical Engineering seeks a Life Science Research Professional 2 to perform more complex functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct a portion of the research project(s).  

Your responsibilities include:

• Advance the research mission of principal investigator’s lab by helping development of producing proteins required as components of vaccines and targeted delivery vehicles. This includes the subunits using in assembling virus like particles and antigen proteins used for experimental vaccines. Also, produce Fe-S proteins used to develop technologies for producing hydrogen. This includes ferredoxins and [FeFe]-hydrogenases and also includes producing and evaluating mutated versions of the hydrogenase. All of these proteins will be evaluated for efficacy and, if needed, production methods will be improved to increase productivity and/or the quality of the proteins.
• Use various assays to assess step yields and product quality in producing the proteins. This will involve the evaluation of several different assays to determine which are most useful.  It will also include the identification of opportunities for improvement of methods for producing and analyzing the proteins.
• Improve the processes for producing the proteins. Objectives will be to improve product yields and product quality. In addition, as new vaccines are contemplated, efforts here will include the development of specific protocols for the new vaccine antigen(s).
• Identify new or improved analytical methods and, using information from the literature, propose methods for producing protein reagents for which adequate procedures are not available.
• Assist in processing data and conducting control experiments required for publications.  Also prepare the methods sections of the papers.
• Periodically compare actual expenses to projected budget and make suggestions on how to reduce costs without affecting lab productivity. 
• Manage inventory of disposables and other reagents, particularly related to larger scale production of proteins required for animal experiments. Also coordinate with the lab maintenance contractor for the maintenance and repair of all lab equipment.

*Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description. 

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

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

Preferred qualifications:

• Two years of work experience includes molecular biology procedures including plasmid construction, bacterial transformation, and gene mutagenesis.
• Two years of work experience includes producing and purifying recombinant proteins both in vivo and using cell-free protein synthesis.
• Two years of work experience includes analysis of protein concentrations and enzyme activities using a variety of methods.

* - 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

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 17,000 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!

How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. Your one-page cover letter should briefly describe your background in customer service and provide examples of your experience with attention to detail, responsiveness, and decision-making.

Additional Information

Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4952
Employee Status: Fixed-Term
Grade: G
Requisition ID: 84964