Life Sciences Lab Assistant - Animal Technician I
The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) is seeking a Lab Assistant - Animal Technician to participate in general wet lab activities, animal care, and perform basic lab maintenance duties in the Rando lab, which is part of the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System and Stanford University. The main areas of interest of the Rando laboratory are muscle stem cell biology, muscle stem cell aging, muscular dystrophies, tissue engineering, and basic muscle cell biology. For information about the Rando Laboratory and its cutting-edge research please visit http://randolab.stanford.edu
This is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt (hourly-paid) position. Location: Palo Alto, CA.
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vacation
- Sick Pay
- 13 paid Holidays
- Life Insurance - paid by PAVIR
- Long-term and Short-Term Disability Insurance - paid by PAVIR
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match and Profit Share
- Wellness Program
- Commuter Benefits
PAVIR is 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.
Duties:
- Maintenance of laboratory animals following VA policies regarding health and safety;
- Careful health monitoring of animals routinely and after procedures;
- Record keeping of laboratory animals;
- Maintain common solutions and reagents in lab;
- Perform autoclaving and dish washing duties in lab;
- Maintenance of cryopreservation and ultralow temperature storage devices;
- General lab equipment maintenance;
- General lab organization;
- Perform genotyping PCR to identify laboratory animal strains;
- Assist with basic techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, cell culture, and microscopy.
Requirements:
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience with scientific theory-related work) in biological, biomedical sciences, or a related field is required.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Experience in laboratory maintenance;
Desired: Experience in handling of laboratory animals and basic biologic skills.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
- Good interpersonal skills in working with Principal Investigators, researchers, and other lab staff;
- Ability to comply with the local, state and federal rules and regulations;
- Ability to use logic and analysis to understand the pros and cons of an experimental process;
- Ability to read directions and follow procedures;
- Good organizational and bookkeeping skills;
- Basic understanding of animal physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology and some mathematical skills;
- Some experience with animal experimentation and molecular biology, cell biology and biochemical techniques.
Physical Demands: Lifting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, standing, bending, repetitive movement, etc.
Environmental Conditions: Exposure to wet lab environment, research animals, blood borne pathogens, and toxic or caustic chemical or reagents.
PAVIR engages in nonprofit medical research and works with sponsors and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) in administering funds for conducting research to find new and improved ways to combat human disease and help people with disabilities. 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.
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the external application. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through the external application.