Synthetic Microbiome Engineer

Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

Research

Post Date May 15, 2024

Requisition # 103263

This is a 2-year fixed-term position, extendable based on budget and performance in role.

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

Sarafan ChEM-H is a new interdisciplinary institute focused on connectingChemistry,Engineering, andMedicine forHuman Health. The institute was founded as a joint venture of the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences. The proximity of world-class biologists, chemists, engineers, and clinicians at Stanford presents a unique opportunity to study human biology at a molecular level, to translate this knowledge into groundbreaking products and services that promote healthy living, and to educate a new cadre of “physician-scientist-engineers” who will lead a rapidly evolving industry. The institute’s Knowledge Centers serve as shared laboratories where trainees from diverse disciplines in science, engineering and medicine pursue projects under the mentorship of the center’s Directors, thereby gaining hands-on skills in high-throughput screening, medicinal chemistry, metabolomics, protein chemistry, and structural biology.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.

• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.

• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.

• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Microbiome Therapies Initiative (MITI) at Sarafan ChEM-H is seeking a highly motivated Synthetic Microbiome Engineer for a role in our ambitious effort to build a synthetic human microbiome from scratch. Our goal is to take advantage of the tremendous promise of the microbiome to treat human disease. Candidates should have good hands and strong organizational skills. Ideal candidates are self-starters, comfortable with autonomy, and embrace opportunities to tackle new problems and challenges as part of a dynamic team in a start-up-like environment within the University. The Synthetic Microbiome Engineer will be responsible for building and maintaining the Model Microbiomes branch of MITI, responsible for creating custom synthetic microbial communities on demand for internal and external collaborators. Primary duties will be to optimize and implement the synthetic microbiome construction pipeline, and create and maintain anaerobic bacterial isolate stocks, with opportunities to implement new technologies for process optimization. Additional duties include writing and implementing SOPs for new and established processes, training MITI staff scientists and technicians, and cross team collaborations. You will work alongside microbiologists developing novel microbiome-based therapies in our production suite in the Stanford Research Park, and will likely implement some processes from manufacturing into the Model Microbiomes platform. Although you will be the primary person responsible for this platform, teamwork and communication is essential for success in this role.

CORE DUTIES:

• Support MITI’s Model Microbiomes program by maintaining our strain collection and creating custom synthetic microbial communities; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental processes, and design and develop assays, specialized equipment, and/or systems as needed.

• Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment including large vinyl anaerobic chambers, tabletop centrifuges, and liquid nitrogen freezers.

• Prepare and review material/reagent lists, standard operating procedures, and other documents associated with the strain collection maintenance and growth.

• Coordinate and work on design, production, and characterization of special purpose custom synthetic microbiome communities, planning and executing various phases of project operations.

• Participate in the planning, design, and implementation of bacterial community production process improvements, and work toward project objectives with set timelines and deliverables.

• Maintain documentation related to research studies, protocols, and data, and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems associated with research projects, as assigned.

• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, other university staff, and external collaborators; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.

• Oversee the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others as needed.

• Communicate well in a team setting, contributing effectively to team processes and goals.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Associate degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline, or three years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to collaborate with senior scientific staff to design and develop special purpose microbial community growth and quality control systems.

• Experience overseeing the plan, design, and implementation of major scientific or engineering initiatives and ensuring project objectives are met.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate research/process capabilities and make recommendations.

• Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills of advanced anaerobic technique or microbiological principles and practices.

• Experience with aseptic and microbiological techniques.

• Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.

• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.

• Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check own work.

• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors and collaborators.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or related field with 3+ years of hands-on experience with anaerobic bacterial culture strongly preferred.

• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from microbiological characterization assays including impedance flow cytometry for cell viability, aerobic/anaerobic plating for contamination detection, MALDI Biotyper plus 16S Sanger sequencing for strain identification, and metagenomic sequencing for strain purity assessment.

• Ability to work with project and laboratory management tools, including Google Drive, Smartsheet, Asana, and eLabNext.

• Experience working in and troubleshooting vinyl anaerobic chambers.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of research processes.

• Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.

• Experience working independently and as part of a team.

• Industry experience is highly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

• Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully.

• Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, Allergens/Biohazards/Chemicals /Asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights ?10 feet, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather.

• May require travel.

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 $90,000 to $105,000 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.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture andunique perksempower you with:

• Freedom to grow . We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

• A caring culture . We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

• A healthier you . Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

• Discovery and fun . Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

• Enviable resources . Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources atstanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit acontact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time

• Job Code: 4991

• Employee Status: Fixed-Term

• Grade: I

• Requisition ID: 103263

• Work Arrangement : On Site