We're Hiring
Contact Erin Mordecai for information about conducting research in the lab as an undergraduate, graduate student, or postdoc.
We are currently seeking people to work on vector-borne disease transmission and plant fungal pathogen projects.
Technician and Postdoc positions available:
1. Life Science Research Professional 1 - 67332
Plant Ecology Research Professional Position Available. Click here to apply.
Description
Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description
JOB PURPOSE:
Plant Ecology Research Professional Position in the Mordecai Lab at Stanford
The Mordecai lab at Stanford University is seeking a full-time Life Science Research Professional to lead field and laboratory experiments in grassland community ecology and plant – fungal interactions. The position, based out of Palo Alto, CA, will involve extensive field work in Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (http://jrbp.stanford.edu/) and other grassland field sites in California, as well as lab work on Stanford campus. Project objectives will include studying how interactions between grassland plants and their pathogens shape population and community dynamics, and how climate variation may mediate these outcomes. Please visit the lab website to learn more about our research interests: mordecailab.com. Activities will include planting, weeding, and harvesting plant field experiments, and collecting and maintaining fungal cultures in the lab.
This position is fixed term for one year, with possible extension.
CORE DUTIES*:
Plan and perform experiments in support of research projects in the lab and/or field, based on knowledge of
scientific theory. Interpret and perform basic analyses of results.
Plant, weed, and harvest field experiments, and collect and maintain fungal cultures in the lab.
Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and related research.
Offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with graduate and post-doctoral researchers.
Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support.
Help orient and train new staff or students.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field. Preference will be given to candidates with previous field research experience, particularly with plants or fungi, and with familiarity with the California flora.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
General understanding of scientific principles.
Ability to engage in field work requiring long periods outdoors in sometimes hot or rainy conditions, frequently stand, walk, bend, squat, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects over 40 pounds.
The candidate must have a driver’s license.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and data management skills are required.
The position requires strong analytical skills, excellent judgment, and the ability to work efficiently and accurately with general guidance.
General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
Certifications and Licenses:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
Position may require repetitive motion.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.
Able to work in a dusty and dirty environment (outside).
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.
Final offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and, where applicable, driving record.
Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job: Research
Location: School of Humanities and Sciences
Schedule: Full-time
Classification Level: E
2. NSF EEID-Funded Postdoc Position in Vector-Borne Disease Ecology
A postdoctoral position, with flexible start date, is available in Erin Mordecai’s lab in the Biology Department at Stanford University. The position is part of an NSF EEID-funded project to develop a general framework for predicting effects of temperature and other environmental factors on vector-borne disease transmission, in collaboration with Van Savage (UCLA), Matt Thomas (Penn State), Leah Johnson (USF), Jason Rohr (USF), Sadie Ryan (UF), and others. The initial appointment is for two years, with the potential for an additional two-year appointment with Van Savage at UCLA. Research in the Mordecai lab uses mathematical models and empirical data to study the ecology and evolution of infectious disease.
The postdoc will assemble a large database for the thermal responses of a suite of mosquito and parasite traits that drive vector-borne disease transmission. The data will be extracted and compiled from the literature, and the database will be used to develop and test models of disease transmission. This part of the project will strongly connect to other aspects of the project such as the integration of metabolic theory with disease transmission models to make general predictions, as well as field and lab work on dengue and its vectors.
The postdoc will collaborate with Mordecai and other members of the project team. Stanford University offers additional opportunities to interact with biologists in the Woods Institute for the Environment, the School of Medicine, Hopkins Marine Station, the Carnegie Institute, and beyond. The postdoc will have the opportunity to mentor high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Mordecai will mentor the postdoc in designing and conducting research projects, writing papers, giving talks, and applying for jobs.
Candidates with strong analytical and mathematical skills, experience managing databases, and backgrounds in ecology, evolution, infectious disease biology, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be an independent, highly motivated problem solver who communicates well and enjoys working in a collaborative environment.
To apply, please send a cover letter that describes your interest in the project, a curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three references to Erin Mordecai at emordeca@stanford.edu. Please combine all components of the application into a single file, and include “EEID postdoc position” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on July 13, 2015 and continue until the position is filled.