Senior Scientist

Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 4 to perform functions and activities involved in managing major portions of complex research projects and original scientific contributions. The successful candidate will lead research on the structural and functional characterization of protein antigens and antibody complexes to support vaccine and therapeutic development. Deep expertise in protein engineering, biophysical assays, hands-on experience with structural biology techniques (including both X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy), and pseudovirus neutralization assays in a BSL2 environment will be critical in fulfilling this role. The successful candidate is expected to apply advanced expertise to troubleshoot complex experiments, integrate computational and experimental approaches, and mentor junior researchers. The role includes data analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings, contributing to the lab’s mission of advancing mechanistic understanding and rational design of protein-based immunotherapies. Duties include :

• Lead multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Perform 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; oversee critical analyses of data from entire project.
• Design research approaches for the entire project, including background research, experimental design and execution, problem-solving, and writing up for publication.
• Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.
• Participate in creating new research proposals, and prepare for submission for funding and grants.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
• Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.
• Contribute original ideas of major methodologies significance which alter the course of the investigation, or develop innovative solution(s) to complex research problems.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; proceed without consultation with principal investigator to implement new techniques into research project.
• Co-author publications; may present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
• Supervise other staff, including hiring, performance management, and related duties, in addition to instruction on complex techniques and direction on projects.
• Other duties may also be assigned The expected pay range for this position is $115,970 to $146,025 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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 stanfordelr@stanford.edu . 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. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS :
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including mutagenesis and fusion construct design.
• Extensive experience in protein expression, purification, and characterization using bacterial and mammalian systems.
• Must have hands-on experience with all the following methods for routine protein characterization : SEC-MALS, DSF, mass photometry, mass spectrometry, BLI, and ELISA.
• Must have strong expertise in bacterial / viral protein and antibody purification techniques, including affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography (IEX), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Proven ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and operate instruments used for protein purification, such as Cytiva AKTA FPLC and Agilent HPLC systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in structural biology : The candidate should possess expertise in multiple experimental structure determination methods, including practical experience in sample preparation, data collection, processing, and model building using both X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The candidate should also be well-versed in integrating computational modeling tools (e.g., AlphaFold, ESMFold) into the workflow.
• Must have experience in conducting enzyme kinetics studies and developing enzyme activity assays.
• Demonstrated expertise in protein conformational changes : The candidate must have in-depth experience investigating the effect of temperature and small-molecule binding on protein conformational dynamics using techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy and room-temperature crystallography. The candidate must also possess a deep understanding of the structural basis of protein–protein interactions, with the ability to relate these to function and mechanism.
• Proficiency in handling mouse models for in vivo protein characterization, including immunization and serum collection.
• Must have experience in anti-serum analysis using ELISA methods, and cell-based assays including proliferation assays, pseudo-virus neutralization and co-localization assays in a BSL2 environment.
• Working knowledge of scripting and terminal-based computation (Python, Bash).
• Demonstrated ability to integrate computational and experimental approaches, including AI / ML.
• Proven track record of securing research funding through successful fellowships or grant applications. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED) : Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and six years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field and four years relevant experience; or PhD in related scientific field and two years of relevant experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED) :
• Extensive 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 is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Strong project management and leadership skills. CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES : None PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
• Position may require repetitive motion.
• 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 his or her job. WORKING CONDITIONS :
• May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
• May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and / or infectious diseases are present.
• Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.