Job Description

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 full-time Life Sciences Research Assistant-Animal Technician . The Research Assistant - Animal Technician will support ongoing research projects that study stem cell and tissue engineering approaches to treat vascular disease and muscle injury. The Research Assistant will work in a wet laboratory setting under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Ngan Huang, Ph.D., and will perform small animal surgeries and analysis using histology. In addition, the Research Assistant will be responsible for detailed compliance tracking, as well as safety protocols.

BENEFITS

PAVIR offers generous benefits , including comprehensive health insurance, vision, dental, 14 paid holidays , paid vacation time, sick pay, a 401(k) with a fully vested 6% company match and 3% profit share , a wellness program, commuter benefits, and professional development training. Plus, we pay for life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct rodent surgeries under the supervision of the PI.
• Section tissues, perform histology and immunohistochemistry analysis.
• Order reagents for the lab and maintain appropriate working environment.
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations (i.e., self-inspections, chemical inventories, etc.).
• Manage required safety protocols for animals, biohazards, and stem cells under the overall direction of the PI.
• Occasional travel to Stanford University.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: A Bachelor's degree (or senior-year Bachelor student with a graduation date scheduled for 2025) or equivalent experience;
• Animal handling experience;
• Preferred: Coursework and/or knowledge of molecular biology, anatomy, and physiology;
• Experience working with research animals and performing rodent procedures;
• Experience working in a research environment.
• Understanding of basic molecular biology and stem cell biology;
• Ability to perform surgery on rats and mice as needed;
• Dexterity and hand coordination to perform rodent survival surgeries;
• Some knowledge of research procedures and protocols gained through education or experience;
• Ability to develop skills in rodent surgeries (i.e., muscle injury models);
• Knowledge of scientific research methodology and data analysis skills;
• Strong reasoning skills in order to troubleshoot experiments;
• Ability to grasp concepts in scientific papers for key methods or findings to support research;
• Ability to work in a team;
• Ability to multi-task several projects at the same time.

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 departm ent.

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