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Life Sciences Research Assistant I/II

The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Maltzman lab, which is part of the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System and Stanford University, to support the cellular and molecular investigation of T lymphocyte biology under the supervision of Principal Investigator - Jonathan Maltzman, M.D., Ph.D. These investigations study the immune system using mouse models and human samples and will utilize flow cytometry and next generation sequencing approaches. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual with experience in molecular biology.
Schedule: General Monday Friday schedule, but the Research Assistant may need to occasionally work on a weekend day.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt (hourly-paid) position. Location: Palo Alto, CA.
Benefits:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Sick Pay
  • 13 paid Holidays
  • Life Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Long-term and Short-Term Disability Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match and Profit Share
  • Wellness Program
  • Commuter Benefits
PAVIR is a nonprofit foundation affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). As a condition of employment, all PAVIR employees are required to have an approved appointment with VAPAHCS and complete a background check before they can commence work. 
Duties:
  • Maintain mouse colony, including PCR based genotyping and database entry
  • Perform isolation of lymphocytes from genetically modified mice and human samples
  • Conduct In vitro approaches to characterize T lymphocyte function
  • Order supplies, maintain compliance records, and aid in research protocol development
  • Perform flow cytometric analysis of mouse and human lymphocytes
  • Assist other laboratory personnel as needed
  • Maintain a laboratory notebook and spreadsheets
  • Prepare progress reports and summaries
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Education: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, or related field.
License / Certification: Valid Driver License is required.
Work Experience:
Required: at least 6 months of related experience (may include undergraduate lab courses and academic lab undergraduate research experience);
Desired:
  • 1 year of related lab/bench experience;
  • Experience with nucleic acid extraction, amplification, quantitation, and other manipulations, including agarose gel electrophoresis is strongly desired. Experience in working with mice will be considered a strong plus;
  • Experience with RNA extraction a plus;
  • Experience with flow cytometry a strong plus.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
  • May need to occasionally work on a weekend day;
  • Knowledge of immunology and/or molecular biology;
  • Previous experience in a variety of research techniques/methods and follow-up data collection is strongly preferred;
  • Knowledge of research procedures and protocols gained through education and/or experience;
  • Knowledge of lab safety procedures;
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook);
  • Previous experience with mouse genetics preferred;
  • Ability to evaluate the technical results of experiments and to identify problems when they occur;
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral);
  • Ability to learn new techniques from written protocols;
  • Organizational skills and detail orientated;
  • Ability to work independently and as a team player;
  • Basic understanding of biochemistry, molecular biology, and some mathematical skills;
  • Previous experience with analysis of next generation sequencing data considered a plus.
Physical Demands: Lifting up to 30 lbs occasionally, standing, bending, repetitive movement, etc.
Environmental Conditions: Exposure to a wet lab environment, bloodborne pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals or reagents. Occasionally travel to offsite location.
PAVIR engages in nonprofit medical research and works with sponsors and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) in administering funds for conducting research to find new and improved ways to combat human disease and help people with disabilities. Please refer to our website for additional information: www.pavir.org 
PAVIR is pleased to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Veterans, and Individuals with a Disability are encouraged to apply. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at jobs@pavir.org


For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through the external link.