Research Scientist, Biochemistry

Unit Description

Sarafan ChEM-H is an interdisciplinary institute focused on connecting Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health. The institute was founded as a joint venture of the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences. The proximity of world-class biologists, chemists, engineers, and clinicians at Stanford presents a unique opportunity to study human biology at a molecular level, to translate this knowledge into groundbreaking products and services that promote healthy living, and to educate a new cadre of "physician-scientist-engineers" who will lead a rapidly evolving industry.

Sarafan ChEM-H recently launched the Functional Protein Observatory, a new initiative aimed at developing large datasets of multidimensional quantitative data describing protein function to inform future AI models for protein function prediction. Directed by Dr. Polly Fordyce, the initiative will leverage a suite of high-throughput technologies developed in the Fordyce lab, including hydrogel beads and array-based microfluidic devices, to systematically measure parameters such as expression, binding, specificity, stability, and catalytic efficiency of proteins of interest. Data generated will be used to develop large databases for use in the evaluation of protein function prediction algorithms.

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Position Summary

Sarafan ChEM-H is seeking a highly motivated scientist to serve as the Research Scientist, Biochemistry, who will serve as a key member of the Functional Protein Observatory team. The Research Scientist will report to the faculty Director of the Functional Protein Observatory. The Research Scientist will be responsible for testing, validating, refining, and applying high-throughput platforms to measure protein function across libraries. The successful candidate will be an efficient, thorough, and detail-oriented scientist with training in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and analysis of large datasets. They will be comfortable learning new technologies, excited to develop new skillsets, and driven by a desire to contribute to a defined vision.

Distribution of Responsibilities

• Approximately 20% time will be spent on biochemical assay validation and molecular biology. This will include cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and analytical techniques (SDS-PAGE, western blot) to verify the success of protein expression or labeling experiments.
• Approximately 20% time will be spent on microfluidic device operation and fabrication of materials. This will include manufacturally spectrally-encoded beans using microfluidic devices, initially under the guidance of device experts and later independently.
• Approximately 30% time will be spent conducting high-throughput functional assays. This will include executing large-scale screens using spectrally-encoded beads to measure binding, specificity, stability, and related parameters.
• Approximately 10% time will be spent on computational analysis and data interpretation, which will include processing next-generation sequencing and flow cytometry data and analyzing raw experimental data to assess data quality and validate workflows.
• Approximately 10% time will be spent on process development and documentation. This will include developing rigorous, detailed, and optimized SOPs for novel workflows for both in-house and external team members that limits experimental variability and ensures the generation of robust, reliable datasets.
• Approximately 10% time will be spent mentoring and collaborating with other researchers, bioinformaticians, and engineers within the Observatory and other tasks as assigned.

General Duties

• Apply scientific and / or technical skills and functional knowledge to conduct experiments generating large amounts of data related to protein function
• Independently run, monitor, and troubleshoot molecular biology and biochemical assays
• Quickly learn new technical skills and adopt new technologies
• Document and critically review experimental approaches when necessary, develop best-practice SOPs, and present experimental data in a timely manner.
• Train and mentor, when needed, junior staff and students on established protocols and technologies.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics or a related field with three years of relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with protein biochemistry techniques, including protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Proficiency in molecular biology, including molecular cloning and PCR/qPCR.
• Competency in DNA sequencing, including bioinformatics, programming (Python), statistical analysis, and data management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to critically analyze datasets and workflows, identifying bottlenecks and sources of experimental variability, and effective troubleshooting.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
• Ability to mentor others in the workflows, standard operating procedures, and data analysis to incorporate proteomic assays and platforms into their research programs.
• Capacity to identify gaps and implement new processes to enhance workflows
• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• Ability to work under strict deadlines with guidance is essential.

The expected pay range for this position is $125,000 to $145,000 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 by submitting a contact form.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

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.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 5574
• Employee Status: Fixed-Term
• Grade: R99
• Requisition ID: 107512
• Work Arrangement : On Site

*This is a 2-year fixed term position, with possible extension based on performance and budget.*