A full-time technician position is now available in the Dinneny lab at Stanford University, Department of Biology. The Dinneny lab is focused on understanding the mechanisms governing plant-environment interactions, particularly those associated with water (https://dinnenylab.me). We utilize a holistic physiological approach that leverages advanced molecular, genomic and imaging approaches. We are looking for scientifically adventurous individuals that will work with a team of researchers to support various projects in the lab through technical assistance. Lab tasks will include plant growth,

making media and chemical stocks, assisting with DNA isolation and performing other basic molecular biology protocols.  The ideal candidate will have excellent organization and computer skills, and the ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain accurate records. We are looking for someone who has excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse group of staff. This is a one-year fixed term appointment with possibility of renewal.

Duties include:

• Extracting DNA from plant tissues and bacterial cultures.
• Maintaining lab stock of TAE, antibiotics, and water.
• Bacteria and Yeast preparation such as LB broth, sterilized water, YPD, SD-ura, LB plates
• and competent cells
• Managing stake plants, seed collection and genotyping.
• Plant growth preparation, including but not limited to, Col0 and other arabidopsis
• genotypes, tobacco for transient transfection and watering of plants.
• Making media as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Applicants are expected to have had prior independent research experience, exhibit a great attention to detail and interest in accurate record keeping, and work with passion. The technician will be trained to work with plants and no prior experience with plants is necessary. Please include your CV with GPA and a cover letter with a description of your research interests and career goals.

Job Responsibilities

Life Science Technician I position involve relatively simple techniques performed independently according to specific and detailed instructions. The technician may also be learning some skilled techniques under close supervision as a part of the job. Although there may be a few laboratory assistant duties at this level, the preponderance of the Life Science Technician I job involves technical procedures rather than laboratory support work.
Simple procedures are defined as those which require limited training. They do not require highly delicate manipulation or precise observation. The characteristic duties typically require entry level technical skills.

Characteristic Duties

The duties listed under this section are designed to provide a representative sampling of key tasks and/or responsibilities associated with the job. They are not intended to be a complete list of all the duties performed by employees in the classification.

•  Very simple animal dissection such as removing a readily accessible organ, preparation before and assistance during surgery, administration of medication and post-surgery care.
• Histological procedures involving fixation of tissue and staining specimens with stains that do not require microscopic control in proceeding from step to step.
• Maintenance and transfer of established cell lines where the culture conditions are well defined.
• Biochemical assays (often colorimetric or spectrophotometric) of compounds or enzymatic activity using well-established procedures where the determination of any settings or adjustments is provided to the technician.
•  Molecular biology assays (polymerase chain reaction, sequencing reactions) where the protocol is well established.
•  Operation of instruments (e.g., spectrophotometer, fraction collector, scintillation counter, PCR machines, light microscope, cell counter) where the settings are simple or prescribed; techniques such as centrifugation (not involving density gradients) or limited black and white photography.
• Isolation, purification and maintenance of bacteria and basic manipulation of bacterial plasmids using well-established protocols; determination of the concentration of cells.
•  Complete and accurate documentation of the work performed.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

One year’s employment experience in laboratory work or a combination of equivalent education and relevant work experience/training (e.g., one year of college science).

Minimum Qualifications

• Work requires the ability to follow detailed instructions and keep accurate records.

Desired Experience:

• Minimum Education level: Post Baccalaureate.
• Experience in molecular cloning and DNA isolation is required.

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.
• Ability to stand and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Occasionally lift and handle materials up to 10 pounds
• Rarely carry/pull and/or push up to 20 pounds
• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
• Position may require repetitive motion.

Working Conditions

Work occurs in a research laboratory environment. Depending on research, may work in the vicinity of animals, chemicals, gasses, or hazardous materials. Expected to follow all safety requirements and procedures including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required.

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/.and the appropriate collective bargaining agreement at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/hr-processes-policiespolicies/labor-relations-collective-bargaining. 
• Other duties may also be assigned, not all unique aspects of this job are covered by this job posting. A full job description will be shared during the interview process.
• 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.
• 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

Additional Information

Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 5638
Employee Status: Fixed-Term
Grade: A18
Requisition ID: 85494