Research Scientist (1 Year Fixed Term)

Stanfordlivetickets; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 18+ days

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Tuition assistance

403(b) plan

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking a Research Scientist in the Stanford Division of Pediatric Radiology to perform defined research projects and independently conduct experiments in the Thakor Laboratory.

You will culture stem cells and islets, perform qPCR, ELISA, RNA sequencing, microscopy, and flow cytometry, including genetic modification with CRISPR/Cas9, and lead projects from design to manuscript preparation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, immunology, stem cell biology, or related field.
• Extensive experience with molecular biology, mouse handling and procedures, flow‑cytometry analysis and cell sorting, mammalian cell culture, RNA‑sequencing, and microscopy.
• Ability to independently design and troubleshoot experiments.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific projects, including design and execution of experiments, analysis and presentation of data, and manuscript/grant preparation.
• Optimize existing protocols in collaboration with lab members.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and reagent stocks.
• Attend weekly lab meetings.
• Contribute to multiple projects and scientific/written progress reports.

Skills

Molecular biology

Mouse handling

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

qPCR

ELISA

Microscopy

CRISPR/Cas9

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology, immunology, stem cell biology, or related field

Tools

RNA sequencing

Flow cytometry

Microscopy

Gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9)

Job description

The Stanford Division of Pediatric Radiology within the Department of Radiology is seeking a Research Scientist to perform basic functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and to independently conduct and analyze experiments. The work will be carried out in the laboratory of Dr. Thakor Avnesh. The Thakor Laboratory conducts translational islet transplantation research, leveraging pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) to modulate the tissue microenvironment, optimize islet delivery, and improve engraftment and function in both preclinical and clinical settings. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who are passionate about science, learning, and collaboration. Candidates with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology, and/or experience in bioinformatics, will find this an ideal environment to apply and develop their skills. Duties involve culture and maintenance of stem cells and human/mouse islets; standard molecular biology techniques including DNA and RNA extraction, quantitative PCR, ELISA; microscopy; flow cytometry; immunostaining; and experience with animals (i.e., mouse handling, organ collection). Experience in genetic modification techniques, including gene editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), with interest or experience in knock‑in and knock‑out approaches, and generation/validation of modified cell lines or animal models, in addition to the listed responsibilities is desirable. The candidate will be responsible for leading scientific projects, including design and execution of experiments, analysis and presentation of data, and contributions to manuscript, report, and grant preparation. The candidate will also be expected to optimize existing protocols in collaboration with other lab members. Additional tasks will include maintaining detailed records of experiments and reagent stocks. This position is for a 1-year fixed-term, with the possibility of renewal based on funding, performance, and operational needs.

Duties and responsibilities include

• RNA/DNA extraction.
• RNA sequencing.
• ELISA.
• Cell culture.
• Islet biology.
• Genetic modification techniques.
• Mouse handling.
• Flow-cytometry analysis and sorting.
• Microscopy, protocol optimization (confocal microscopy – preferred).
• Novel assay development.
• Attendance at weekly lab meetings.
• To contribute to multiple projects and to make scientific and written contributions to progress reports, grant applications, and manuscripts.

*- Other duties may also be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, immunology, stem cell biology, or related field.
• Extensive experience with molecular biology, mouse handling and procedures, flow‑cytometry analysis and cell sorting, mammalian cell culture, RNA‑sequencing, and microscopy.
• Ability to independently design and troubleshoot experiments.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, GraphPad Prism, R, and other.

Essential job duties require frequent standing, walking, twisting, bending, stooping, squatting, grasping (light to forceful), fine manipulation, desk‑based computer, and writing, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on hard surfaces for up to eight hours; occasional sitting, kneeling, crawling, reaching overhead, and sorting/file paperwork; rare climbing, scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, chopping, or operating hand/foot controls; correctible vision; ability to perform repetitive motion and work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment; and the provision of reasonable accommodations for disabilities as required by law.

The expected pay range for this position is $76,383 to $80,000 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 by submitting 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.

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.

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.

• Fixed Term Y
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Medicine
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Posting Date 02/27/2026, 02:00 PM
• Grade R99
• Job Identification 108336

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 relationships.

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