Basic Life Research Scientist

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

Job summary

Stanford University’s Red-Horse Lab seeks a creative Senior Scientist with post‑doctoral experience in RNA molecular biology or whole‑organ imaging to join a small, collaborative team. The role focuses on developing and executing molecular biology and imaging experiments related to pregnancy complications early in gestation.

You will work with PhD‑level scientists, contribute to progress reports, grants, and manuscripts, and coordinate sample collection with clinical and research teams, carrying

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or its equivalent in research skill and subject knowledge.
• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Developmental Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of post‑doctoral experience in RNA biology or imaging technologies.
• Hands‑on expertise across histological and molecular biology methodologies for interrogating anatomy.
• Proven ability to work independently and drive projects with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative mindset.
• Ability to independently design and troubleshoot experiments.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑disciplinary groups.
• Experience with mouse work and in vivo techniques.
• Track record of publications.

Responsibilities

• Propose, establish, and execute approaches to advance whole‑mount imaging and analysis of the maternal‑fetal interface.
• Implement fit‑for‑purpose assay cascades to support research, bridging sequencing and imaging‑based readouts.
• Contribute to multiple projects and 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.

Skills

RNA biology

Imaging technologies

Histology methods

Independent research

Scientific communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Mouse in vivo techniques

Publications

Publications

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Biophysics/Developmental Biology/Bioengineering

Tools

Spatial transcriptomics

RNAseq

AdipoClear

iDisco+

Light-sheet imaging

Confocal imaging

Job description

Basic Life Research Scientist

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.

Core Duties

• Propose, establish, and execute approaches and technologies to advance whole‑mount imaging and analysis of the 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

• Ph.D. or its equivalent in research skill and subject knowledge.
• 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.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑disciplinary groups.
• Experience with mouse work and in vivo techniques.
• Track record of publications.

Pay Range

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

Benefits

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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].