The Department of Genetics at Stanford University is seeking an experimental research associate (Life Science Research Professional 2) to join the Jerby Laboratory to study the underlying principles and molecular underpinnings of multicellular dynamics in cancer. The ideal candidate will join the team as soon as possible.
Lab overview: Immune responses and tissue homeostasis rely on highly orchestrated multicellular regulation, where different cell types and the interactions between them can either halt or promote pathological processes. Grasping the logic of multicellular dynamics is fundamental to our understanding of many biological processes, and can greatly advance our ability to detect, treat, and even prevent, a wide range of diseases, including cancer. As such circuits consist of an immense number of interacting components, which often function in a context-dependent manner, our ability to decipher and target them is still very limited.
The Jerby lab, which launched very recently at Stanford University, develops integrative, multidisciplinary approaches to track, model, and perturb multicellular dynamics at scale, focusing on the cancer-immune interplay. Combining single-cell technologies with genetic editing and machine learning, we aim to unravel the causal structure of multifactorial immune evasion mechanisms in highly aggressive tumors, develop new ways to trigger and augment targeted anti-tumor immune responses, and provide a blueprint for the study of multicellular (dys)regulation in health and disease. For more information about our research and laboratory, see http://jerbylab.stanford.edu/.
Job description: We are looking for enthusiastic and creative people, for one of several roles, including: lab manager, senior research scientists, and research associates. Candidates are expected to lead and design experimental projects to tackle key questions and challenges in cancer immunology. Specific projects include developing a multimodal perturb-seq system to identify key regulators of cancer-T-cell interactions; mapping cancer-immune dynamics across time and space using emerging single-cell and spatial profiling technologies; and integrating genetic and environmental editing to decipher combinatorial effects driving multifactorial immune evasion mechanisms.
The candidate should have experience with molecular and cell biology techniques, primary cell culture, and ideally also single cell sequencing and/or genetic editing; high level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team; excellent communication, organization, and time management skills; creative thinking and passion for science.
The Jerby lab is a supportive and interdisciplinary workplace that provides exposure to innovative research and cutting-edge technologies. This position is a unique opportunity for scientific growth and development with the potential for widespread recognition of scientific contributions.
To apply, please also email Dr. Jerby at ljerby@stanford.edu.
Duties include:
- Design research approaches for a major portion of research project(s), including background research, experimental design and execution, problem-solving, and writing up for publication.
- Develop new protocols; test, evaluate, and optimize a variety of approaches, including single-cell RNA-Seq, spatial sequencing, ex-vivo co-culture experiments, and genetic/pharmacological perturbations with sequencing- and image-based readouts.
- Perform complex experiments, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods.
- Help supervise and train new staff or students as needed, including interviewing, hiring, performance management, and related duties; provide laboratory orientations and day-to-day guidance to support trainees and assist them in troubleshooting and optimizing their protocol and experimental workflows.
- Maintain the lab infrastructure and equipment; oversee and maintain lab stocks of common reagents; coordinate the ordering and shipment of equipment, maintain a database to manage these orders, and ensure orders are placed and delivered in a timely manner.
- Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings; serve as the laboratory safety officer to ensure safe work practices as dictated by Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) guidelines; develop and update the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proficient in molecular and cell biology, with hands-on experience in tissue culture methods and the operation of standard lab equipment.
- Experience in single-cell RNA-Seq of tissues (e.g., tissue dissociation, cell sorting, library construction and next-generation sequencing), and/or spatial sequencing methodologies.
- Strong core competencies in a variety of cell and molecular biology techniques, including, for example, flow cytometry, cell sorting, live cell imaging, reporter systems, CRISPR-based genetic editing, and experience with primary human T cell (e.g., activation assays) and primary cancer cell cultures.
- Prior experience and expertise required to perform, optimized, and quickly master the procedures described above, and then effectively disseminate their knowledge and train other lab members.
- Exceptional organizational, time management and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent lab notebook practices and attention to details.
- Excellent communication skills; will and ability to interact with all levels of staff, external contacts, students, trainees, and collaborators.
- Enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to learn and develop, collaborate and contribute to an inclusive and supportive environment.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master's degree in a related scientific field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- 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.
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 his or her 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 (from JDL):
- 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 bases 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.
