The Division of Critical Care Medicine, in the Department of Pediatrics, seeks an enthusiastic and motivated Life Science Research Professional (LSRP2) to work in the laboratory of Dr. Cristina Alvira with in the Stanford Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology. The Alvira Lab performs NIH-funded research to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate postnatal lung development, with a specific focus on pathways that direct pulmonary angiogenesis. Current projects in the lab are focused on utilizing single cell transcriptomics in the developing mouse lung to understand how discrete populations of immune, endothelial and mesenchymal cells direct postnatal lung growth and how these pathways are disrupted by injury. The primary roles of this job will be to assist in the completion of single cell transcriptomic studies, validate specific cellular populations in the lung in situ, and perform mechanistic experiments in cells and mouse models to define the function of specific factors and signaling pathways. Duties include the performance of in vivo and in vitro experiments designed to investigate novel pathways that direct pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization, and determine how these pathways are disrupted by injuries that impair lung growth (e.g. hyperoxia and mechanical ventilation).  Primary tasks will include the execution and analysis of single cell transcriptomics, determining gene and protein expression using fluorescent in situ hybridization, advanced confocal imaging, western immunoblotting, quantitative PCR, and FACS. Additional tasks include the execution of functional assays on primary endothelial cells in vitro to evaluate survival, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, and determining the ability of newly identified secreted factors to promote pulmonary endothelial angiogenesis.

The successful applicant will have BS degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related field is required, and at least 3 years of experience in a relevant laboratory setting, preferably working with either murine models of disease or primary cells.  Additional experience or an advanced degree is highly desired but not required. Basic proficiency in a programming language (preferably Python or R), experience handling large datasets and utilizing version control and familiarity with tools to analyze single cell transcriptomic and other -omics datasets are required. The candidate will be expected to execute experiments independently, and work directly with the PI to interpret the results, develop new hypotheses, and design follow-up studies. High attention to detail and meticulous execution and record of experiments is essential. The candidate must be enthusiastic, have extremely strong written and oral communication skills, be highly motivated, organized, intellectually creative, and able to work both independently and function well as part of a team. The individual in the position must be proficient in a number of basic molecular techniques including western immunoblot, PCR, immunofluorescence, FACS, and gene over-expression and silencing.  Experience isolating and working with primary cells in culture is desirable.

The Alvira Lab is part of a larger, multi-PI research group within the Stanford Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology focused on excellence in basic, translational, and clinical research relevant to pediatric lung diseases. The research group strives to create a highly collaborative, dynamic and positive environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and passion for the discovery of new knowledge.

Learn more about our lab here: http://med.stanford.edu/alviralab.html.

Duties include:

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s). Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project.
• Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.
• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; apply to ongoing research and development of new protocols.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section, and to publication of findings. Present ongoing work to colleagues and/or academic conferences.
• Oversee supply and equipment budget under supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
• Supervise (either formally or informally) staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.
• Oversee the daily activities of the laboratory including lab maintenance; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.

*- Other duties may also be assigned

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with human primary cell culture, immunology, gene transfer, PCRs.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, etc.

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.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:  Add here

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.

Additional Information

Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4952
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: G
Department URL: http://pediatrics.stanford.edu/
Requisition ID: 87821