Basic Life Research Scientist

Stanfordlivetickets; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The Red‑Horse Lab at Stanford University in the Department of Biology, in collaboration with HHMI, seeks a senior scientist with post‑doctoral experience in RNA biology or imaging to advance pregnancy‑related research.

This hands‑on role requires independent development and execution of molecular biology and imaging experiments, with collaboration across PhD‑level scientists. It is a 1‑year, 100% FTE, on‑campus position with strong emphasis on teamwork and scientific communication.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant field.
• 3+ years post‑doctoral experience in RNA biology or imaging.
• Hands-on expertise with histology and molecular biology methods (spatial transcriptomics, RNA-seq, clearing methods, imaging).

Responsibilities

• Propose, establish, and execute approaches to advance whole‑mount imaging and analysis of maternal‑fetal interface.
• Implement assay cascades to support research, bridging sequencing and imaging readouts.
• Contribute to multiple projects and progress reports, grant applications, and manuscripts.
• Coordinate and collect samples weekly interfacing with clinical and research teams.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

Skills

RNA biology

Imaging techniques

Independent work

Communication skills

Experimental design

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Developmental Biology, Bioengineering, or related field

Job description

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Department Description: The Red‑Horse Lab in the Department of Biology at Stanford University and HHMI, https://redhorselab.com/, studies vascular biology in many contexts – including cardiovascular and placental development.

Position Summary: The Red‑Horse Lab at Stanford University and HHMI seeks a creative and motivated Senior Scientist with post‑doctoral experience and a background in RNA molecular biology or whole organ imaging and analysis to join a small, collaborative team. As part of a nascent effort focused on a novel scientific direction in the lab, you will work closely with a tight knit team of PhD‑level scientists to investigate what causes pregnancy complications early in pregnancy before symptoms appear.

This role is hands‑on and lab‑focused, requiring independent development and execution of rigorous molecular biology and imaging experiments within a small team. The successful candidate will combine strong experimental skills with the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with scientists across multiple disciplines.

This is a 100% FTE, 1‑year fixed‑term, exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

CORE DUTIES

• Propose, establish, and execute on approaches and technologies to advance whole‑mount imaging and analysis of maternal‑fetal interface.
• Implement fit‑for‑purpose assay cascades to support research, bridging sequencing and imaging‑based readouts.
• Contribute to multiple projects and make scientific and written contributions to progress reports, grant applications, and manuscripts.
• Coordinate and collect samples on a weekly basis interfacing with clinical and research team members.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. or its equivalent in research skill and subject knowledge.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Developmental Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of post‑doctoral experience in RNA biology or imaging technologies (biotech or academia).
• Hands‑on expertise across a diverse set of histological and molecular biology methodologies for interrogating anatomy (e.g., spatial transcriptomics, RNAseq, Adipoclear, iDisco+, light‑sheet or confocal imaging).
• Proven ability to work independently and drive projects with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative mindset.
• Ability to independently design and troubleshoot experiments.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience collaborating with cross‑disciplinary groups.
• Experience with mouse work and in vivo techniques.
• Track record of publications.

The expected pay range for this position is $xx to $74,000 - $96,000.

Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years since their applicable education, field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; among other factors.

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 and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a 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 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 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 Humanities and Sciences
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Posting Date 06/22/2026, 05:32 PM
• Grade R99
• Job Identification 108714

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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 the position. 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 ...

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