Life Science Research Professional 3

School of Medicine; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Laboratory of Jesse Engreitz at Stanford University is seeking a Research Scientist (Life Science Research Professional 3) to lead large-scale CRISPR data generation projects aimed at understanding the genetic basis of heart diseases. The role includes designing experiments, supervising teams, and coordinating with NIH-led consortia.

You will contribute to publications and grants, develop protocols, and train researchers in cellular genomics and genome engineering.

Qualifications

• PhD-level research experience in genetics or genomics.
• Ability to design and lead independent projects; supervise large-scale data generation.
• Strong collaboration, writing, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute scientific projects in CRISPR genomics.
• Collaborate with a team of experimentalists and computational biologists.
• Collect perturbation datasets to inform genome function and train predictive models.
• Develop protocols and apply new technologies to study enhancers and genes in cells.
• Supervise and train lab members; manage collaborations and budgets.
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant applications.

Skills

Cellular genomics

CRISPR data generation

Project leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in related science field

Master’s degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in related field with 4+ years experience

Job description

The Laboratory of Jesse Engreitz (Department of Genetics, BASE Initiative) is seeking a Research Scientist in CRISPR Genomics ( Life Science Research Professional 3) to lead large-scale data production projects to understand the genetic basis of heart diseases. The Engreitz Laboratory is located in the Biomedical Innovations Building on the main campus at Stanford University and is a member of the BASE Initiative in the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center.

Project overview: DNA regulatory elements in the human genome, which harbor thousands of genetic risk variants for common and rare heart diseases and could reveal targets for therapeutics that aim to precisely tune cellular functions — if only we could map the complex regulatory wiring that connects 2 million regulatory elements with 21,000 genes, and genes with thousands of pathways across the diverse cell types in the human body. We have recently developed new approaches that could enable mapping this regulatory wiring at massive scale ( e.g. , Fulco et al. Science 2016, Fulco & Nasser et al. Nat Genet 2019, Martyn & Montgomery et al. Cell 2025, Gschwind* et al. Nature 2026), and applied these and other approaches to understand the genetic basis of complex diseases ( e.g. , Schnitzler et al. Nature 2024). We aim to expand these studies to systematically map the functions of variants, enhancers, and genes in many cell types from the heart and vasculature. These datasets will enable training powerful new predictive models of genome function. These studies will ultimately help to uncover biological mechanisms of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, and other heart diseases to help to guide diagnosis and therapeutic development. For information and recent work, see https:// www.engreitzlab.org and https://med.stanford.edu/base.html

We are looking for a creative and passionate Research Scientist (PhD-level) to lead the next phase of our efforts to systematically perturb the genome to understand genome function and phenotype. The ideal candidate would lead independent projects, design and supervise large-scale CRISPR data generation projects, manage collaborations between the Engreitz Lab and NIH-led consortia, and play a leading role in writing publications and grants. The Engreitz Lab provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary workplace with unique access to cutting edge technologies and scientific thought, with the potential for widespread recognition of scientific contributions. We value a diversity of values, backgrounds, and approaches to solving problems.

The candidate for this position should have hands‑on experience in cellular genomics, molecular biology, and technology development; experience with quantitative data analysis and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams; curiosity in research and creativity in problem‑solving; strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; experience building or managing teams; outstanding verbal and written communication abilities; ability to adapt to and effectively manage changes in a fast paced and dynamic environment; and have a passion for science and sense of urgency to find new medicines to benefit patients.

Duties Include

• Make fundamental discoveries about gene regulation and the genetics of cardiovascular disease
• Together with PI and other lab members, design and execute scientific projects
• Collect comprehensive perturbation datasets to inform genome function and enable training predictive models
• Develop and apply strategies to study enhancers and genes in human cells and mouse models
• Evaluate and recommend new emerging technologies, approaches, and problems
• Supervise, train, and collaborate with other lab members in experimental techniques, scientific design, and other skills
• Design and lead independent projects
• Collaborate with a team of experimentalists and computational biologists
• Create scientifically rigorous visualizations, communications, and presentations of results
• Contribute to generation of protocols, publications, and intellectual property

Grade: H

FTE: 100%

Responsibilities

Core Duties

• Design research approaches for a major portion of research project(s), including background research, experimental design and execution, problem solving, and writing up for publication.
• Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.
• Conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods.
• Assist with new research proposals and applications for funding and grants.
• Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.
• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section. May be a co-author on publications. Present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; propose new research directions based on new advances discussed in literature.
• Oversee supply and equipment budget under minimal supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
• Formally supervise and train new staff or students as needed, including hiring, performance management, and related duties. Provide instruction on techniques and consultation on project work.

Minimum Education And Experience

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and four years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field and two years relevant experience; or PhD in related science field.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• Expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project.
• General computer skills, experience with databases and scientific applications, and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Developing project management skills.