Life Science Research Professional

Life Science Research Professional 1 (1 Year Fixed Term)

Join to apply for the Life Science Research Professional 1 (1 Year Fixed Term) role at Stanford University.

The Department of OB/GYN seeks a Life Science Research Professional 1 (LSRP1) to assist with research projects involving treatment of stress urinary incontinence or pelvic floor prolapse with stem cells and understanding the basic pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorders. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) where the urethral sphincter is deficient allowing for leakage of urine with activities. Standard surgery for SUI is effective in 80% of patients.

Dr. Chen’s lab has developed stem cell therapy which has the advantage of safe skin biopsy, cell “rejuvenation” through the process of iPSC reprogramming, and ability to produce a large homogeneous cell population.

The LSRP 1 will be responsible for assisting senior laboratory members in the preparation and analysis of hiPSC reprogramming with mRNA/RNA method, expansion, banking and characterization of these new derived hiPSC lines, differentiation to smooth muscle cell progenitors (pSMCs) differentiated from autologous iPSCs and then prepared for injection into the urethral sphincter of the small animals to aid regeneration of a deficient urethral sphincter muscle.

The LSRP1 will assist multiple projects and must manage time efficiently in doing so. The LSRP1 will work independently under general guidance from the scientist and must have the ability to recognize irregularities in experimental results and modify experiments as needed. Multiple techniques and skills are necessary and include techniques of molecular biology, tissue culture, qPCR and RNA extraction. The LSRP1 will be in direct contact with a scientist for experimental design and troubleshooting, but experiments will be scheduled and performed by the LSRP1 independently.

Additionally, the LSRP1 will order supplies and prepare some reagents for use by other members of the lab and will train new researchers in basic protocol, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Due to the nature of the lab's work, some experiments the LSRP will manage may deviate from a standard work day.

• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

• 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…