Position: Laboratory/Research Technician (for the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery)

Description
 The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and laboratories at Stanford University is seeking a highly motivated and well organized Life Science Research Assistant who will collaborate in the execution of continued maintenance of our human biorepository, obtaining tissue from surgical cases, maintaining an organized freezer space and assisting with collaboration of experiments designed to understand the disease process and continued multidisciplinary and integrated research in cardiovascular disease.

Duties include: 
• Consenting patients for tissue research (IRB approved)
• Working directly with patients to gain consent
• Organizing and maintaining entry our heart tissue biobank; Entering in patient data, PMH and PHI information (will need HIPPA training) into database (RedCap)
• Attending lab meetings
• Communication and collaboration with other labs.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and related research.
• Maintaining up-to-date information on cardiac operating room schedule and availability when cases are in progress.
• Attending heart transplants and other cardiac surgical procedures in the Stanford operating rooms (on occasion at night) and collecting heart tissue; Training would be provided in all aspects of clinical and basic laboratory science in a highly supportive environment of MD's, PhDs, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.
• Offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with graduate post-doctoral individuals and Principle investigator
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain container stock, manage inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Help orient and train new staff or students.
• Opportunities to sit in on transplant listing meetings, observe cardiac surgery in the operating room, shadow on-call physicians in the CCU/ICU, and co-author publications will be encouraged. 
*- Other duties may also be assigned
Qualifications
 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (but not required): 
• Experience using techniques in cell culture, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry and mouse models.
• Experience in proper handling of human tissue and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of sterile technique
• Analytical skills and excellent judgment
• Experience in using RedCap
• Experience in working with IRB

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED): 
• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
• General understanding of scientific principles.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• 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 20 pounds.
• Ability to work in occasional 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:
• Will require working with and in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
• Hours may have to be switched around on a weekly basis, to best provide coverage of operating room schedule.
• 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 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.

** This position is ideal for recent graduates expecting to take at least one gap year between graduation and medical school. These paid temp/casual positions would require a commitment of around 20 hours per week for at least a year. Location close to Stanford is preferred. A willingness to cover a 1 in 2 on-call schedule for transplants is essential. To see recent publications and learn more about the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Research;  http://med.stanford.edu/ctsurgery/research.html.
 
To apply, please email your resume (including a short paragraph about yourself, your resume/CV and why you are interested in this position). ** I WILL NOT CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION WITHOUT THIS PARAGRAPH attached.