Gnotobiotic Specialist (Life Science Research Professional 2)

🔍 School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States

📁: Research

📅   : Dec 05, 2024 Post Date

📅   : 105392 Requisition #

The García-Bayona lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University is seeking a Gnotobiotic specialist (LSRP 2). Our research focuses on the understanding the role of mobile genes in the community interactions of the gut microbiota. We study how our intestinal bacteria are evolving with us and explore how that knowledge can be harnessed to modulate the gut community for human health benefits. Please check our lab website for more information: https://garciabayonalab.stanford.edu

The Gnotobiotic Specialist will be responsible for overseeing germ-free/gnotobiotic mouse facilities and conducting gnotobiotic mouse experiments using isolators and individually ventilated cage racks. Candidates should have good hands and strong organizational skills. Ideal candidates are self-starters, comfortable with autonomy, and embrace opportunities to tackle new problems and challenges as part of a dynamic and inclusive team. The gnotobiotic specialist will work in close collaboration with all lab members to design and carry out gnotobiotic mouse experiments.

CORE DUTIES*:

Conduct experiments that require use of germ-free mice. Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to lab members.
Independently conduct complex experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project with an emphasis on gnotobiotic mouse experiments, including oral gavage, fecal sample collection and analysis.
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.
Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; apply to ongoing research and development of new protocols.
Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques for gnotobiotic experiments, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.
Carry out all the activities required for germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse husbandry and facility maintenance in the gnotobiotic room. These include: monitoring the gnotobiotic mice for changes in their appearance and behavior, performing cage changes, cleaning, sterilizing equipment and supplies, providing the animals with food and water, determining sex and weaning animals according to established protocols, keeping accurate and complete records on animal inventories and activities as required by various regulatory agencies.
Set up, maintain, and keep track of breeding strategies and success in order to recognize when to replace breeding animals in order to maintain the colony and achieve research goals with the appropriate number of animals.
Oversee supplies under supervision of the principal investigator and the Gnotobiotics Director.
Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
Clean and maintain the assigned animal room. Duties include collecting and properly disposing of all waste, sweeping and mopping, etc.

*- Other duties may also be assigned

EDUCATION (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

Animal husbandry experience.
Comfortable handling mice.
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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Animal husbandry experience.
Comfortable handling mice.
Experience performing mouse husbandry using gnotobiotic isolators, including monitoring mouse conditions and sterilization of materials for introduction into germ-free isolators.
Experience with mouse colony maintenance.
Basic mouse handling and breeding skills, including oral gavage and blood draw.
Basic microbial culture methods.

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 the 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.

WORK STANDARDS:
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $81,130 to $94,895 per annum/hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information