The Stanford ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center operates under the auspices of the Stanford Genome Technology Center (SGTC) and the Stanford School of Medicine. This project is a collaboration between the SGTC Center director, Dr. Ron Davis, and Dr. Robert Phair of Integrative Bioinformatics, Inc. All work will be performed at the Stanford Genome Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME/CFS, is a debilitating illness with unknown cause and no cure. The similarity between ME/CFS and Post-Acute Sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC, or Long Covid) suggests a common disease mechanism that is triggered by infection. The SGTC is seeking a candidate with experience in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field to perform mechanistic studies of innate immunity and metabolic regulation of immune cells.
The SGTC conducts multiple IRB-approved study protocols involving healthy human subjects and individuals with ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other fatigue-associated disorders. Working with fresh human specimens requires careful planning, meticulous execution, and precise record-keeping. Other relevant skills for this position include extracting, processing, and detecting nucleic acids, metabolites, and other biomarkers from human specimens. The candidate will have experience developing and testing new experimental protocols, analyzing study data, and iterating as needed to effectively test research hypotheses.
The ideal candidate will have experience in many of the following areas:
- Isolating specific immune cell types from human blood; performing cell culture.
- Stimulating cultured cells with various compounds or cytokines, measuring metabolites in culture media, and measuring gene expression in cell extracts.
- Using flow cytometry to characterize and sort various cell types present in human blood. (Flow cytometry may include the Accuri Analyzer or LSR2 Analyzer, BD Aria sorter, FACSAria2 sorter, or BD Symphony.)
- Developing and conducting gene expression experiments using multiplexed TaqMan Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR).
- Developing and conducting experiments for measuring gene expression in single cells (e.g. 10X Genomics or BD RhapsodyTM assay using Illumina Next Generation Sequencing technology.)
- Using Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) or proteomics using mass spectrometry to detect proteins and protein modifications.
- Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to measure protein levels, including post-translational modifications and abundance levels.
- Using Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzer to collect real-time cell metabolic data and providing high level interpretation. This involves measuring oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in live cells.
- Teaching and managing junior LSRP staff to keep projects on track toward successful completion.
- Thinking independently but collaboratively.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and four years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field and two years relevant experience; or PhD in related science field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
- Expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project.
- General computer skills, experience with databases and scientific applications, and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
- Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
- Developing project management skills.
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:
- 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 based 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.
The expected pay range for this position is $81,000 to $106,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.