Life Science Technician I

Job Description

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007, and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.

About the Department of Pathology:

The Department of Pathology is a founding department of the Stanford School of Medicine and one of the leading departments in the United States. Our preeminent faculty spans from emerging leaders to highly accomplished physicians and scientists, including a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy. Our mission is to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and basic understanding of human disease. This is done through discovery (research), education, and clinical care.

You will be working with an unparalleled leading-edge community of faculty and staff that are fundamentally changing the world of health care. You will have the opportunity to influence and drive change with your innovative ideas, the ability to make a difference, and participate in human advancements. Our culture is fast-paced, energetic, and growing all of the time.

We offer a variety of benefits beyond traditional medical, dental, retirement, and savings options:

• Events and programs for children, sports camps, tuition options

• World-class intellectual stimulation through learning and development classes, workshops, and onsite conferences from leading-edge speakers and faculty

• Work/life and family-friendly policies and reimbursement

• Participation in Stanford’s social responsibility and sustainable programs for a better world

• A vibrant university culture that values the uniqueness of each individual

We are seeking candidates who are progressive thinkers, see challenges as simply problems to solve, and have the spirit and energy to change the world.

About the Lab:

The LST1 will work in the lab of Dr. Katrin Svensson in the Department of Pathology. The Svensson Lab studies how secreted peptides regulate physiology and disease. The lab discovers new bioactive peptides and defines how they act on their target cells and receptors to control feeding behavior, energy balance, and metabolism, with additional projects in neural circuits and cancer biology. Our work combines biochemistry, cell biology, neuroscience, and physiology, with the long-term goal of translating new peptide biology into therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. The lab is a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, and the LST1 will contribute directly to experiments that characterize how peptides signal in neurons.

About the Position:

We are recruiting a Life Science Technician to support ongoing research activities in the Svensson Lab. The LST’s work involves performing cAMP and calcium assays in neurons, along with laboratory maintenance, buffer and reagent preparation, inventory management, and supporting established experimental protocols under supervision. Working as part of a multidisciplinary research team, the LST will assist laboratory members with routine technical procedures, preparation of laboratory materials and reagents, cell culture support activities, recordkeeping, and general laboratory operations under established protocols and supervision. Additional major responsibilities will include laboratory upkeep, inventory management, order processing, and maintaining a safe and organized laboratory environment. This position represents an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to peptide biology, neuroscience, and metabolism research in a dynamic research environment.

Duties Include:

• Cell-Based Signaling Assays: Perform cAMP and calcium assays in neurons following established protocols. Prepare cells, assay plates, and reagents, run assays on laboratory instruments, and accurately record raw data. Maintain neuronal cultures used for assays using aseptic technique.

• Autoclaving and Dishwashing: Operate autoclave equipment to ensure the sterilization of laboratory tools, glassware, and other equipment. Conduct routine and systematic dishwashing to maintain a hygienic and organized laboratory workspace. Adhere to safety guidelines and protocols during autoclaving and dishwashing activities.

• Buffer Preparation: Prepare laboratory buffers following established protocols to ensure accuracy and consistency. Measure and mix chemicals and reagents with precision to achieve the desired concentrations. Maintain detailed documentation of buffer preparation processes, including quantities, procedures, and any deviations.

• Collaborate in the preparation and aliquoting of various reagents crucial for laboratory experiments

• Order Handling and Documentation

• General Lab Support

• Inventory Management

• Lab Maintenance

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with general laboratory techniques, especially basic cell biology techniques (including mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, solution and reagent preparation, plate-based assays, etc.)

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 20 pounds.

• Rarely carry/pull and/or push up to 20 pounds.

• Must have correctable vision to perform duties of the job.

• 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:

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