Basic Life Research Scientist

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The Schlissel Lab at Stanford invites applications for a full-time Basic Life Scientist position (3-year fixed term) that can be extended indefinitely. The scientist will work independently in close collaboration with the PI to build the intellectual and technical foundation of the lab’s research program and to mentor junior scientists as they join the lab.

Research spans biochemistry, biophysics, developmental biology and immunology to study extracellular signaling protein interactions and

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology or related discipline.
• Experience with wet-lab techniques and cell culture.
• Strong data analysis and visualization skills (Python, R, etc.).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior members.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a new lab.

Responsibilities

• Generate research momentum and design/execute experiments.
• Analyze data and present results in written or oral form.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to lab meetings.
• Collaborate with PI and team on project goals.

Skills

Wet-lab techniques

Data analysis

Python/R

Communication skills

Project leadership

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related discipline

Job description

The Schlissel Lab at Stanford invites applications for a full-time (100%) Basic Life Scientist position (3-year fixed term) that can be extended indefinitely. The Schlissel Lab recently opened (January 2026) and is seeking a professional scientist to generate research momentum in the lab, and to assist in training and mentoring junior scientists as they join the lab. The scientist will work independently in close collaboration with the PI (Gavin Schlissel) to build the intellectual and technical foundation of the lab’s research program.

The Schlissel Lab at Stanford invites applications for a full-time (100%) Basic Life Scientist position (3-year fixed term) that can be extended indefinitely. The Schlissel Lab recently opened (January 2026) and is seeking a professional scientist to generate research momentum in the lab, and to assist in training and mentoring junior scientists as they join the lab. The scientist will work independently in close collaboration with the PI (Gavin Schlissel) to build the intellectual and technical foundation of the lab’s research program.

Research in the lab draws on a wide variety of techniques from biochemistry, chemical biology, biophysics, developmental biology and immunology, and the research project can be tailored to the interests and expertise of the candidate. The only guiding constraint is that the research project should seek to identify and answer important questions about the extracellular behavior of signaling proteins. Current research in the lab seeks to understand how interactions between signaling proteins and the extracellular matrix vary across evolution, and how those interactions contribute to the evolution of craniofacial morphology. Future planned research seeks to understand how cytokines form concentration gradients to recruit immune effector cells, and how synthetic signaling proteins can be manipulated to form signaling gradients with desired biophysical properties.

The research takes inspiration from population genetics, structural biology, and animal development to generate hypotheses, which are ultimately tested in cell culture using single particle tracking (SPT) microscopy to measure the biophysical diffusion rate of signaling proteins in the extracellular matrix. Within this research framework, there are opportunities to contribute across a range of experiment types, including experiments that draw on genetics or biochemistry, or experiments that use animal models to test the functional consequences of perturbed extracellular diffusion.

The position is expected to be a full-stack research position, involved in all aspects of hypothesis generation, experiment design, execution (wet lab), analysis (dry lab), and communication. The scientist will report to the lab’s Principal Investigator (Gavin Schlissel) but is expected to manage his or her own research progress, and to solicit feedback from the entire lab community through lab meeting presentations and unscheduled research discussions.

The style of work in the lab requires candidates to be self-motivated and curious, and comfortable working in a new field where there are not established protocols or established standards for data analysis. Candidates must have a PhD in molecular biology or a related discipline, and additional experience either as a postdoc or as a bench scientist in industry is preferred.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS / MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related discipline
• Proficiency in routine “wet lab” techniques including cell culture, cloning, etc.
• Strong data analysis and visualizations skills (python, R, BASH, vibe-coding, Illustrator, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of projects
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to work on an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to mentor peers and junior lab members
• Patience for the growing pains of a new research lab
• Lead research, design experiments, collect data, analyze data, and present results in written or oral formats
• Mentor fellow lab members
• Contribute to shared administrative responsibilities
• Attend and present in weekly lab meetings

DESIRED:

• Experience working with advanced microscopy, extracellular matrix biology, or mouse developmental biology
• Experience mentoring junior lab members in an academic or industry research environment

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.

The expected pay range for this position is $80,000-$92,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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.

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 at [e-mail]. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact 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. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission.

• Fixed Term Y
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Medicine
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Grade R99
• Job Identification 108648

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

Notice to Applicants

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications 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 accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

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.

Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations

Why work at Stanford

World-changing work in a culture of continuous learning

An inspiring community that values collaboration

High-quality health and wellness benefits that put you and your family first

Access to world-class education and career development, with tuition reimbursement, training assistance, and more