Life Sciences Research Associate

The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) is seeking a Research Associate position to support research projects that aim to increase the understanding of cartilage and musculoskeletal tissue repair and regeneration by studying the cellular and molecular pathways involved in injury and repair under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) - Constance Chu, M.D. This project will primarily involve working with various tissue culture cell lines and primary cells, as well as human and animal blood, tissue, and body fluid (SF, Plasma and Serum).

Work involves surgical procedures, cell culture, molecular biology, and tissue processing for histological investigations. The work will use state of the art technology including biomarker discovery, multiplex ELISA assays and several kinds of microscopy, including but not limited to confocal microscopy. The successful candidate will be able to perform and present statistical analysis. The position also includes lab management tasks, such as ordering supplies, maintaining lab records, and adhering to safety regulations.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), Exempt (Salary-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 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.

Duties:

• Design, plan, and perform experiments based on knowledge of scientific theory in support of the PI's research projects;
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes;
• General lab maintenance including maintaining lab stock, managing chemical inventory and safety records, and providing general lab support as needed;
• Serve as a lead and train new staff or students, including oversight and instruction on techniques as well as consultation on project work;
• Serve as technical resource for other research staff;
• Interpret and analyze the results;
• Make recommendations on plan design and/or research direction to PI;
• Contribute to the preparations of papers for publication, especially in the results section;
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research;
• Present findings to lab work group;
• Occasional travel to different worksites.