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Life Sciences Research Assistant

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 investigations in the Nicolls Laboratory that studies pathophysiology causes and develops treatments for two vascular diseases: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Lymphedema. The Research Assistant will work directly under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) - Mark Nicolls, M.D., Ph.D., and Project Director - Amy Tian, Ph.D.

The Research Assistant will participate in general wet lab activities, animal husbandry, and will perform rodent microsurgery, including mouse-tail lymphatic ligation, dissection and near infrared lymphatic pumping pressure measurement. 

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual with experience in molecular biology, cellular biology and animal studies, specifically experience working with mice.

This is a regular, full time (40 hours/week), non-exempt (hourly-paid) position. Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Sick Pay
  • 13 paid Holidays
  • Life Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Long-term Disability Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Short-term Disability Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match and Profit Share
  • Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Commuter Benefits

Duties:

  • Assist with experiments investigating the role of inflammation in the mouse-tail model of lymphedema under the direction of Project Director:
  • Perform mouse-tail lymphatic ligation;
  • Measure collecting lymphatic function using near infrared microscopy system;
  • Perform immunofluorescence staining on tissue sections;
  • Prepare and maintain cell culture lines;
  • Perform quantitative real-time PCR analysis, Western blot, flow cytometry or ELISA for ex vivo and in vitro samples;
  • Document findings of experiments.
  • Assist with experiments investigating the function of lymphatics during transplantation rejection using the mouse-tracheal orthotopic transplantation model under the direction of Project Director:
  • Perform orthotopic tracheal transplantation surgery;
  • Measure collecting lymphatic function using near infrared microscopy system;
  • Perform immunofluorescence staining on tissue sections;
  • Prepare and maintain cell culture lines;
  • Perform quantitative real-time PCR analysis, Western blot, flow cytometry or ELISA for ex vivo and in vitro samples;
  • Document findings of experiments.
  • Maintain mouse colonies including breeding, weaning, and PCR genotyping;
  • Perform other duties as needed.

Education: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in biological or biomedical sciences is required.

License: Valid Driver's License is required (to drive between VA Palo Alto and Stanford Research park in Palo Alto)

Experience:

Required: Applicable bench lab experience;

Desired: 2 years or more of experience in animal studies, preferably working with mice.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

  • Previous laboratory experience with animal experimentation highly desired;
  • Previous experience with cell culture, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical techniques;
  • Understanding of animal physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and some mathematical skills;
  • Ability to analyze scientific data and problem solve experiments;
  • Good communication skills (written and verbal);
  • Strong knowledge of research procedures and protocols gained through education or experience;
  • Ability to work independently and proactively, with good organizational skills;
  • Ability to work within a team context and collaborate with other lab personnel;
  • Previous experience in a variety of research techniques/methods and follow-up data collection;
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and procedures;
  • General computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint;
  • Willing to travel between VA Palo Alto and Stanford Research Park in Palo Alto.

Physical Demands: Lifting up to 20 lbs occasionally, standing, bending, repetitive movement, etc.

Environmental Conditions: Exposure to web lab environment, research animals, blood borne pathogens, toxic/caustic chemical or reagents.

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.

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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