Sr. Research Scientist (3 Years Fixed-Term)

Sr. Research Scientist (3 Years Fixed-Term)

Stanford, CA, United States (On-site)

Job Description

Situated in a highly dynamic research environment within Stanford University School of Medicine and the Stanford Cancer Institute, the Gray Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Biologist (Research Scientist) to initiate, manage, and advance collaborative projects focused on developing experimental cancer therapeutics. The successful candidate will be a highly creative and motivated scientist who wants to make scientific breakthroughs and help train the next generation of translational scientists.

The position involves supervising and mentoring a group of approximately 10 trainees using biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology and chemical biology to advance cancer therapeutics projects. Active projects entail extensive collaboration with medicinal chemists in the Gray laboratory designing and synthesizing candidate therapeutic and experimental small molecules. Research responsibilities will include planning and designing projects, identifying and optimizing new assays, establishing and maintaining data reporting standards for the group, and developing group-wide expertise in emerging areas of interest. Many projects are highly collaborative both internally and externally (other Stanford labs and across institutions), and the successful applicant will be a strong communicator and will help to manage these collaborative relationships. The candidate will contribute new capabilities to long-term efforts in the laboratory and will play a crucial role in major developments in the discovery of novel chemotherapeutics.

The Research Scientist will lead collaborative projects focused on developing experimental cancer therapeutics. The role involves supervising and mentoring approximately 10 trainees while utilizing biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology, and chemical biology. The successful candidate will manage research projects, collaborate with medicinal chemists, and establish data reporting standards, contributing to the discovery of novel chemotherapeutics and fostering relationships with other Stanford labs and Institutions.

Duties include*:

• Oversee experiments, researchers, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Plan experiments in support of research projects based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Contribute to publication of findings and grant applications. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Oversee facility maintenance as needed; maintain instrumentation, related consumables stocks.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures. *Other duties may also be assigned.

Job Description

Situated in a highly dynamic research environment within Stanford University School of Medicine and the Stanford Cancer Institute, the Gray Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Biologist (Research Scientist) to initiate, manage, and advance collaborative projects focused on developing experimental cancer therapeutics. The successful candidate will be a highly creative and motivated scientist who wants to make scientific breakthroughs and help train the next generation of translational scientists.

The position involves supervising and mentoring a group of approximately 10 trainees using biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology and chemical biology to advance cancer therapeutics projects. Active projects entail extensive collaboration with medicinal chemists in the Gray laboratory designing and synthesizing candidate therapeutic and experimental small molecules. Research responsibilities will include planning and designing projects, identifying and optimizing new assays, establishing and maintaining data reporting standards for the group, and developing group-wide expertise in emerging areas of interest. Many projects are highly collaborative both internally and externally (other Stanford labs and across institutions), and the successful applicant will be a strong communicator and will help to manage these collaborative relationships. The candidate will contribute new capabilities to long-term efforts in the laboratory and will play a crucial role in major developments in the discovery of novel chemotherapeutics.

The Research Scientist will lead collaborative projects focused on developing experimental cancer therapeutics. The role involves supervising and mentoring approximately 10 trainees while utilizing biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology, and chemical biology. The successful candidate will manage research projects, collaborate with medicinal chemists, and establish data reporting standards, contributing to the discovery of novel chemotherapeutics and fostering relationships with other Stanford labs and Institutions.

Duties include*:

• Oversee experiments, researchers, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Plan experiments in support of research projects based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Contribute to publication of findings and grant applications. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Oversee facility maintenance as needed; maintain instrumentation, related consumables stocks.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures. *Other duties may also be assigned.

REQUIRED:

• Ph.D. in biological sciences.
• Five years relevant post-Ph.D. experience and a strong publication track-record.
• Expertise and demonstrated experience in project and people management.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent problem solving, written and oral communication skills.

DESIRED:

• Previous chemical biology laboratory experience.
• Basic systems administration skills (NFS, database management, intranet connectivity and security).

WORK STANDARDS (from JDL):

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

The expected pay range for this position is $105,000 to $125,000 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 ( 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.

• Fixed Term Y
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Medicine
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Posting Date 06/22/2026, 06:06 PM
• Grade R99
• Job Identification

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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 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.
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.

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