This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

Work Arrangement: On-Site Only

Budgeted Salary: This position has been budgeted for an hourly rate between $33.00 to $36.00.

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/Program Description:

The Department of Biology at Stanford University is devoted to discovering fundamental knowledge of the living world: from the behavior of single molecules to dynamics of cells, organisms, populations, and interactions of biological systems with our planet. We are dedicated to developing innovative training experiences for the next generation of biologists and to building an inclusive learning environment that unites members from diverse disciplines and life experiences. The Department is the largest in the School of Humanities and Sciences with over 100 active and emeritus faculty, lecturers and research staff, over 240 PhD and postdoc trainees and over 60 non-academic staff who advance the department’s research and teaching missions. The department serves over 220 undergraduate students who major in Biology and more than 3,600 enrollees in our courses each year. Learn more about the department at biology.stanford.edu.

Position Summary

The Yan Lab at Stanford Biology is actively searching for intellectually motivated and self-driven post-bacc trainees from a broad academic background (including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and relevant fields) to assemble a collaborative team of talent with complementing expertise and, most importantly, eager to learn and pursue new and challenging lines of research dedicated to advance our knowledge in cellular mechanics and force dynamics.

To study cellular mechanics in situ, currently we are developing new genetically encoded force sensors and tension gauges and constructing novel imaging platform ad hoc to directly visualize these hidden physical parameters present inside and exerted by the cells. We will use optical tweezers to calibrate each molecular probe and identify constructs with proper dynamic ranges for probing cellular forces and tensions. The precise magnitude and dynamic coordination of these physical parameters are key to discern how cells interpret and integrate mechanical cues both from within and among interfacing neighbors, which is the core of our lab’s research.

In the lab, you will work closely with other lab members as well as the principal investigator and be heavily involved in the planning, execution, and publication of exciting science. In general, the day-to-day work in the position will focus on the design and cloning (construction and validation of plasmids) of the genetically encoded molecular probes, culture and construction of mammalian cell lines, as well as conducting experiments and data analysis. In addition, there will be the opportunity to learn and apply powerful high-resolution imaging and state-of-the art biophysical techniques such as spinning disk confocal fluorescence microscopy and adaptive optical tweezers. A small amount of time will be devoted to lab organization/safety. Overall, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone with an undergraduate or master degree and previous experience with molecular/cellular biology techniques. Familiarity with mammalian stem cell culture or CRISPR-based approaches is a plus but is not required.

We are fully committed to helping all lab members accomplish their professional goals by developing skills sought after in both academia and industry, providing recommendation letters, and helping to craft compelling applications. We especially encourage people from backgrounds historically underrepresented in science to apply. We are a group of gap seekers and bridge builders, and we hope you will join us to unravel the long hidden mechanical dimension in biology.

This is a 100% FTE, fixed-term, one-year position with a possible renewal, non-exempt. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Preferred Requirements

Highly self-driven, scientifically rigorous, and strong training/extensive experience in a subset (not all) of the following:

1. Molecular and cellular biology – molecular cloning; transcription and translation; cell culture and cell line constructs (e.g., embryonic stem cells, mammalian and insect cells), aseptic techniques and cell transfections; FACS; WB/IP/ChIP analysis
2. Biochemistry – protein folding, engineering and purification; molecular sensor and probe design; functional assay development; DNA and RNA template design and synthesis
3. Microscopy and instrumentation – optics, optical trapping, iSCAT, confocal and fluorescence imaging, microfluidics
4. Scripting, programming, coding – MATLAB, LabVIEW, Fiji/ImageJ, Python, and/or R for statistical analysis and image analysis

2. Proactive problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and to take appropriate autonomous initiative to carry out research work.

3. Agile, adaptive, and accountable as a researcher and a team member; organized and diligent at documentation; outstanding ethics in handling scientific data and results.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

Job Info

• Pay Range Represents the job market pay range and may be adjusted depending on the geographic work location. $27.42-$51.19
• Pay Frequency Hourly
• Fixed Term Y
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Humanities and Sciences
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Temporary
• Job Category Research
• Posting Date 08/14/2026, 11:08 PM
• Grade The grade level indicates the position's classification within the organization's pay scale and responsibility structure. E
• Job Identification 200641

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

Work Arrangement: On-Site Only

Budgeted Salary: This position has been budgeted for an hourly rate between $33.00 to $36.00.

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/Program Description:

The Department of Biology at Stanford University is devoted to discovering fundamental knowledge of the living world: from the behavior of single molecules to dynamics of cells, organisms, populations, and interactions of biological systems with our planet. We are dedicated to developing innovative training experiences for the next generation of biologists and to building an inclusive learning environment that unites members from diverse disciplines and life experiences. The Department is the largest in the School of Humanities and Sciences with over 100 active and emeritus faculty, lecturers and research staff, over 240 PhD and postdoc trainees and over 60 non-academic staff who advance the department’s research and teaching missions. The department serves over 220 undergraduate students who major in Biology and more than 3,600 enrollees in our courses each year. Learn more about the department at biology.stanford.edu.

Position Summary

The Yan Lab at Stanford Biology is actively searching for intellectually motivated and self-driven post-bacc trainees from a broad academic background (including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and relevant fields) to assemble a collaborative team of talent with complementing expertise and, most importantly, eager to learn and pursue new and challenging lines of research dedicated to advance our knowledge in cellular mechanics and force dynamics.

To study cellular mechanics in situ, currently we are developing new genetically encoded force sensors and tension gauges and constructing novel imaging platform ad hoc to directly visualize these hidden physical parameters present inside and exerted by the cells. We will use optical tweezers to calibrate each molecular probe and identify constructs with proper dynamic ranges for probing cellular forces and tensions. The precise magnitude and dynamic coordination of these physical parameters are key to discern how cells interpret and integrate mechanical cues both from within and among interfacing neighbors, which is the core of our lab’s research.

In the lab, you will work closely with other lab members as well as the principal investigator and be heavily involved in the planning, execution, and publication of exciting science. In general, the day-to-day work in the position will focus on the design and cloning (construction and validation of plasmids) of the genetically encoded molecular probes, culture and construction of mammalian cell lines, as well as conducting experiments and data analysis. In addition, there will be the opportunity to learn and apply powerful high-resolution imaging and state-of-the art biophysical techniques such as spinning disk confocal fluorescence microscopy and adaptive optical tweezers. A small amount of time will be devoted to lab organization/safety. Overall, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone with an undergraduate or master degree and previous experience with molecular/cellular biology techniques. Familiarity with mammalian stem cell culture or CRISPR-based approaches is a plus but is not required.

We are fully committed to helping all lab members accomplish their professional goals by developing skills sought after in both academia and industry, providing recommendation letters, and helping to craft compelling applications. We especially encourage people from backgrounds historically underrepresented in science to apply. We are a group of gap seekers and bridge builders, and we hope you will join us to unravel the long hidden mechanical dimension in biology.

This is a 100% FTE, fixed-term, one-year position with a possible renewal, non-exempt. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Preferred Requirements

Highly self-driven, scientifically rigorous, and strong training/extensive experience in a subset (not all) of the following:

1. Molecular and cellular biology – molecular cloning; transcription and translation; cell culture and cell line constructs (e.g., embryonic stem cells, mammalian and insect cells), aseptic techniques and cell transfections; FACS; WB/IP/ChIP analysis
2. Biochemistry – protein folding, engineering and purification; molecular sensor and probe design; functional assay development; DNA and RNA template design and synthesis
3. Microscopy and instrumentation – optics, optical trapping, iSCAT, confocal and fluorescence imaging, microfluidics
4. Scripting, programming, coding – MATLAB, LabVIEW, Fiji/ImageJ, Python, and/or R for statistical analysis and image analysis

2. Proactive problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and to take appropriate autonomous initiative to carry out research work.

3. Agile, adaptive, and accountable as a researcher and a team member; organized and diligent at documentation; outstanding ethics in handling scientific data and results.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

Job Info

• Pay Range Represents the job market pay range and may be adjusted depending on the geographic work location. $27.42-$51.19
• Pay Frequency Hourly
• Fixed Term Y
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Humanities and Sciences
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Temporary
• Job Category Research
• Posting Date 08/14/2026, 11:08 PM
• Grade The grade level indicates the position's classification within the organization's pay scale and responsibility structure. E
• Job Identification 200641