Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) supports the nation's second largest research program conducted among the VA Hospitals and is looking for a part-time Life Science Lab Assistant. The Lab Assistant will support ongoing projects aiming at elucidating the mechanisms of various cardiovascular diseases including calcific aortic valve disease, coronary vasospasm, and diabetes. The work will be conducted in a wet laboratory as well as in clinics under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Ian Chen, M.D., Ph.D.

Duties include performing basic molecular and cell biology experiments on biological tissues, stem cells, and their derivatives in the laboratory, as well as helping to perform chart biopsy, recruit patients, and apply electronic devices on patients for monitoring of their heart rhythm in clinics.

BENEFITS

PAVIR is delighted to offer a robust and comprehensive employee benefits package with exceptional offerings such as sick pay policies, a 401(k) with a fully vested 6% company match and 3% profit share, commuter benefits, wellness program, employee assistance program, and professional development training.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with daily maintenance and passaging of primary cells and pluripotent stem cells, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into endothelial cells, cryopreservation of pluripotent stem cells and their derivatives;
• Aid research assistants with digesting human valve tissue with collagenase and isolate endothelial cells from human valve tissue;
• Assist with the analyzation of cells and tissue using molecular and cellular assays (i.e., qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, ELISA);
• Perform chart biopsy to identify and recruit study patients;
• Explain the study procedures to study patients;
• Obtain informed consent per defined protocol;
• Answer any study-related questions from the study patients;
• Apply electronic heart monitoring devices on patients;
• Assist with tracking study patients for follow-up assessments;
• Other research related duties as necessary (i.e., prepare buffers, media, data analysis).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: College-level coursework and lab work in biology; undergraduate student;
• Valid Driver License is required for occasional travel to Stanford Campus;
• Prior experience in a research laboratory;
• Preferred: Experience with various biology techniques including PCR and Western blot strongly desired;
• Previous experience in a variety of research techniques/methods and follow-up data collection;
• General computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and procedures;
• Knowledge of safe handling/storage of biohazardous chemicals and bloodborne pathogens;
• Some knowledge of research procedures and protocols gained through education or experience;
• Good communication skills (written and verbal);
• Ability to work independently and proactively, with good organizational skills;
• Ability to work within a team context and collaborate with other lab personnel.

ABOUT PALO ALTO VETERANS INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH (PAVIR)

PAVIR facilitates research and education activities conducted at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists. We recruit and retain talented employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through innovative health research.

READY TO JOIN OUR RESEARCH TEAM?

If you feel that you would be right for this job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!

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.

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.