The Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology at Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Technician 2 to participate in studies related to identification and validation of mutations in pediatric, cancer-patient tumor samples.
Research in the Division of Hematology/Oncology bridges the gap between the research laboratory and the pediatric oncology/hematology and SCT clinics housed at the Bass Center for Blood Diseases and Cancer with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. The work of the division is high-level, interdisciplinary and cutting edge. The laboratory’s projects involve development and use of novel methodologies to perform large-scale analysis of pediatric cancer and normal genomes on large sets of samples obtained from in-house laboratory projects and multiple outside collaborations. The ability to interface intelligently with collaborators is critical to this position. The applicant will be involved in supporting research for “personalized genomics” which seek to tailor patient treatment to specific mutations found in tumors or variants found in the patients normal DNA. As this is an ongoing, cutting-edge project, willingness to be flexible and support the development of novel assays, techniques and protocols is highly desired. Since patient samples are involved, extreme attention to detail and impeccable record-keeping skills are also required.
Position duties require flexible work hours (some late hours required and/or weekends especially for patient sample procurement.) Previous experience with sterile technique, particularly isolation and cryopreservation of fresh tissue samples, is desirable. Bachelor's degree in related scientific field including biology, chemistry, etc. highly desired. Special skills, knowledge, and/or training required for this position, include:
• At least two years of previous laboratory experience or two years of college coursework in related scientific discipline biology, chemistry is required or equivalent. Solid written and verbal communication skills, as well as demonstrated professionalism in working with colleagues (both internal and external laboratory users).
• Must be capable of and willing to pay strict attention to detail, including following written and oral instruction. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
• Familiarity with the following experimental techniques required: sterile technique, tissue culture, cryopreservation, RNA/DNA purification and other molecular biology, reagent preparation, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology.
• Willingness to work with live animals (mice) in biomedical research.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs, including some weeknights and/or weekends.
Duties include:
• Participate in studies related to identification and validation of mutations in pediatric cancer patient tumor samples: collect and process blood and tissues specimens; analyze large numbers of samples using DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, immunohistochemistry, cloning, next-generation sequencing library preparation and other molecular biology techniques; graft human tumor samples into immunocompromised mice
• Use PubMed and Google Scholar to identify possible better ways to improve sample processing before sending them for sequencing/analysis
• Based on discussions with colleagues, offer new ideas for processing samples and preparing samples for analysis
• Prepare documentation for and communicate with the Cancer Clinical Trials Office and Stanford Human Subjects Internal Review Board; maintain database of patients and patient samples; use the electronic medical record to help identify patients for research studies and obtain consent
• Prepare oral presentations, slides, and short written reports; maintain accurate documentation of experimental protocols and perform mathematical analysis of data; assist in preparing manuscripts to publish results in journals
• Perform lab management tasks: assist with ordering supplies; maintain lab records; adhere to safety regulations
• Assist in training new staff and students in sample processing techniques
*- Other duties may also be assigned
2. Level of responsibility, including the method and frequency with which the work is reviewed, checked, supervised, or priorities set.
The incumbent will independently perform skilled techniques that require delicate manipulation and/or fine adjustments. S/He will draw upon previous laboratory experience with the test or equipment to detect if something is wrong with the procedure and may make procedural changes or modify techniques. S/he may be expected to complete general analysis. This position requires a high level of responsibility and independence. Work is performed routinely without direct supervision.
3. Functional relationship to other workers and users of the product of service involved.
The incumbent’s work is part of a larger research project related to identification and validation of mutations in pediatric, cancer-patient tumor samples. Further analysis of the work is done by others in the laboratory. Assist in training new staff and students. Based on discussions with colleagues, offer new ideas for processing samples, preparing samples for analysis
4. Responsibility, if any, for planning, scheduling, assigning or overseeing the work of others.
Assist in training new staff and students in sample processing techniques.
5. Special skills, knowledge, or training required, including tools or equipment used.
• At least two years of previous laboratory experience or two years of college coursework in related scientific discipline biology, chemistry is required or equivalent. Solid written and verbal communication skills, as well as demonstrated professionalism in working with colleagues (both internal and external laboratory users).
• Must be capable of and willing to pay strict attention to detail, including following written and oral instruction. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
• Familiarity with the following experimental techniques required: sterile technique, tissue culture, cryopreservation, RNA/DNA purification and other molecular biology, reagent preparation, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology.
• Willingness to work with live animals (mice) in biomedical research.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
6. Unusual working conditions.
• 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.
• 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.
