Overview:

The Jerby lab at Stanford University, Department of Genetics is seeking a highly motivated Lab Manager (Life Science Research Professional 2) to join us in developing novel approaches to study cancer immunology and contribute to collaborative scientific efforts.

Lab Overview:

The overarching goal of our lab is to identify novel interventions for triggering precise and effective antitumor immune responses. As a translational lab at the interface between computer science and biology, we tackle this challenge by combining single-cell sequencing and imaging, with machine learning and multimodal perturb-seq/CRISPR screens, which allows us to rigorously track, model, and perturb the cancer-immune multicellular dynamics. Using our integrative approach we aim to uncover multifactorial immune evasion mechanisms in highly aggressive tumors and provide a blueprint for the study of multicellular dysregulation in a wide-range of pathologies.

Job description:

The Lab Manager will be a key person with a broad set of responsibilities and a pivotal role in ensuring our team meets its short- and long-term goals. The Lab Manager will develop and maintain the wet lab infrastructure, supervise the experimental procedures, and be responsible for the day-to-day lab operations. The Lab Manager will design and conduct a variety of routine and specialized experiments to support the lab research objectives; work with trainees in evaluating and developing experimental procedures and protocols, and conduct thorough experiments to examine and set up new experimental systems in the lab. The Lab Manager is expected to train, guide, and assist new and junior lab members in studying and performing a variety of laboratory techniques and ensure accurate laboratory notebook, record keeping, and data collection. The position also entails lab management support such as ordering supplies and equipment, maintaining equipment inventory and lab records, and ensuring the laboratory operations adhere to safety regulations.

Duties include: 

• 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, evaluate, and optimize a variety of approaches, including single-cell RNA-Seq, spatial sequencing, ex-vivo co-culture experiments, and genetic/pharmacological perturbations with sequencing- and image-based readouts.
• Perform complex experiments, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods. 
• Help supervise and train new staff or students as needed, including interviewing, hiring, performance management, and related duties; provide laboratory orientations and day-to-day guidance to support trainees and assist them in troubleshooting and optimizing their protocol and experimental workflows.
• Maintain the lab infrastructure and equipment; oversee and maintain lab stocks of common reagents; coordinate the ordering and shipment of equipment, maintain a database to manage these orders, and ensure orders are placed and delivered in a timely manner.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings; serve as the laboratory safety officer to ensure safe work practices as dictated by Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) guidelines; develop and update the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Proficient in molecular and cell biology, with hands-on experience in tissue culture methods and the operation of standard lab equipment.
• Experience in single-cell RNA-Seq of tissues (e.g., tissue dissociation, cell sorting, library construction and next-generation sequencing), and/or spatial sequencing methodologies.
• Strong core competencies in a variety of cell and molecular biology techniques, including, for example, flow cytometry, cell sorting, live cell imaging, reporter systems, CRISPR-based genetic editing, and experience with primary human T cell  (e.g., activation assays) and primary cancer cell cultures.  
• Prior experience and expertise required to perform, optimized, and quickly master the procedures described above, and then effectively disseminate their knowledge and train other lab members.
• Exceptional organizational, time management and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent lab notebook practices and attention to details. 
• Excellent communication skills; will and ability to interact with all levels of staff, external contacts, students, trainees, and collaborators.
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to learn and develop, collaborate and contribute to an inclusive and supportive environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):  

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• 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.

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 his or her 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 (from JDL):

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 bases 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: 4952
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: G
Department URL: http://genetics.stanford.edu/
Requisition ID: 87433