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Life Sciences Research Assistant II (REL2001.20)

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR)
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The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) is seeking a Research Assistant to support the molecular investigation of human-associated microbiota in health and disease under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. David Relman. Approaches will primarily involve sequence-based analysis of complex microbial communities, including specialized sequence methods beyond standard library preparation.
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual with experience in molecular biology, protocol development, and managing a large bank of samples.
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 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.
Duties:
  • Implement specialized sequence-based protocols, in particular Hi-C
  • Prepare metagenomic & amplicon libraries for next-generation sequencing
  • Obtain frozen aliquots of stool samples from an existing sample bank
  • Extract nucleic acids from human clinical samples
  • Manage an existing sample bank (>6,000 samples) and organize batches of frozen samples for processing in the laboratory
  • Maintain and update existing data spreadsheets tracking information about samples and research subjects, meeting HIPAA, privacy and data security requirements
  • Prepare media and reagents and assist other laboratory personnel as needed
  • Prepare written progress reports and summaries
  • Other duties as needed.
Requirements:
EDUCATION:
  • Required: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in biological sciences or in a related field;
  • Desired: Master's degree or Ph.D. in biological sciences or in a related field.
EXPERIENCE:
  • Required: 2 years or more of related experience to include:
  • Experience preparing nucleic acid libraries for next-generation sequencing;
  • Experience with molecular biology protocol optimization and development and/or;
  • Experience with nucleic acid extraction, amplification, quantitation, restriction digestion and other manipulations;
  • Desired: 4+ years of related experience, including experience with human samples.
Valid Driver's License is required.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
  • Strong knowledge of microbial/molecular biology;
  • Experience with a variety of research techniques/methods and follow-up data collection;
  • Ability to learn new techniques from written protocols and assess/compare protocols from the scientific literature;
  • Ability to evaluate the technical results of procedures/experiments and to identify problems when they occur;
  • Knowledge of basic statistical analysis to prepare standard curves, compare results from different protocols, etc.;
  • Organized and detail orientated;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team player;
  • Knowledge of lab safety procedures;
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel and Word);
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
Physical Demands: Lifting up 30lbs occasionally, standing, bending, and repetitive movement.
Environmental Conditions: Exposure to a wet lab environment, bloodborne pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals or reagents. Occasional travel to the Stanford campus.
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 jobs@pavir.org - Human Resources department.
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For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the external application link on Handshake. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.