Lab Asst III

Level of responsibility, including the method and frequency with which the work is reviewed, checked, supervised, or priorities set.

Must be able to carry out routine tasks with minimal direction after training. Must be able to work independently to prioritize tasks and determine when supervisor assistance or notification is required.  Will need to become rapidly familiar with clinical terminology used in medicine/thoracic surgery.

Functional relationship to other workers and users of the product of service involved.

Responsible for liaising with database vendors contact to coordinate specific changes/enhancement to the database. Provide technical support for the Thoracic Surgical attending and research staff on database related issues. Assist in procedures of tissue specimen collection, which are used for the Thoracic Surgical clinical research, including close collaboration with members of laboratories outside of the division who collaborate with the division on tissue based and data-based research projects.

Responsibility, if any, for planning, scheduling, assigning or overseeing the work of others.

Work in coordination with the Division Chief, Dr. Shrager, in training and ongoing observation as well as in designing database queries; and with the rest of the Thoracic Surgical attending and research staff in similar capacities.  Coordinating with operating room nurses, Stanford Tissue Bank staff, and other laboratories’ research staff to properly pass off tissue and blood specimens from the operating room to the Tissue Bank.  Overseeing all work related to database work, which includes checking and providing missing patient information updates to Thoracic Surgical attending and research staff and reporting results of the data harvests in division meetings.

Special skills, knowledge, or training required, including tools or equipment used.

Knowledge of PC Word processing and clinical database software. Basic knowledge of human anatomy and medicine a major plus.  Solid wet laboratory skills and ability to examine, cut, and freeze tissue specimens required.  Individual is expected to interact effectively with Operating Room, Pathology, and research staff.  Strong communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and good judgment.

Physical Requirements:

•     Manual dexterity to perform assigned tasks

•     Write by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, perform desk based computer tasks.

•     Frequently stand/walk, perform seated work, operate special machines

•     Occasionally twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach /work above shoulders, light fine grasping.

•     Lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 pounds.

•     Rarely help move heavier items (e.g. chairs or lab equipment; packages of supplies; drums containing 2 to 15 gallons, depending on ability.

• Work Standards:
  • When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
  • 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/ and the appropriate collective bargaining agreement at  https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/hr-  processes-policiespolicies/labor-relations-  collective-bargaining

Working Conditions:

• Work occurs in a research laboratory environment. Depending on research, Lab Assistants may work in the vicinity of animals, chemicals, gasses, or hazardous materials. Expected to follow all safety requirements and procedures, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required.

As an organization that receives federal funding, Stanford University has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/working-stanford/covid-19/interim-policies/covid-19-surveillance-testing-policy