Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) is looking to hire a full-time Research Assistant to conduct molecular and cell culture experiments which focus on the development and functions of cells of the immune system and vasculature in models of autoimmunity and cancer.

The Research Assistant will work with the Principal Investigator (PI), Eugene Butcher, M.D., lab manager and associated staff to perform general lab maintenance to ensure the seamless operations of the lab.   

PAVIR offers generous benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, vision, dental, 13 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.

We encourage you to apply if you have experience in molecular biology, cell culture, multi-dimensional flow cytometry, and performed procedures in research animals.

ABOUT PAVIR:

PAVIR, located on the premises of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, is a mid-size nonprofit foundation, closely connected with the VA and Stanford University. We are a nimble organization, offering ongoing training, opportunities for growth, generous benefits, great work-life balance, as well as friendly, close-knit, and supportive environment. At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists across a broad spectrum of research areas. We recruit talented employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through innovative research.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform sterile tissue culture of numerous cell and hybridoma lines;
• Generate, test, and maintain hybridoma cell lines;
• Carry out large-scale culture of specialized hybridoma cell lines and purify antibody from hybridoma cultures;
• Perform additional antibody purification when necessary;
• Perform cell-based assays when required, i.e., chemotaxis, T-cell differentiation and suppression assays;
• Perform immunoassays (ELISAs, Western Blots);
• Analyze samples using flow cytometers and confocal microscopes;
• Assist post-doctoral researchers with experiments;
• Collaborate and communicate regularly with lab members, lab manager and the PI about experimental planning, prioritization and coordination;
• Perform minor animal procedures (tail vein injection, blood sampling, immunizations);
• Assist in animal dissection and tissue isolation, monitor and check on research animals;
• Expose mice to tobacco smoke using a cigarette-smoking robot;
• Assist lab manager with lab safety compliance and regulations regarding health, biosafety, and research administration;
• Occasionally travel to Stanford;
• Assist in daily, weekly and monthly maintenance tasks, inventory and order supplies.