"Research Scientist in CRISPR Genomics, Engreitz Lab (2 Year Fixed Term)"

The Laboratory of Jesse Engreitz (Dept of Genetics, BASE Initiative) is seeking a Research Scientist in CRISPR Genomics to lead large-scale data production projects to understand the genetic basis of heart diseases. The Engreitz Laboratory is located in the Biomedical Innovations Building on the main campus at Stanford University and is a member of the BASE Initiative in the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center.

Project overview: DNA regulatory elements in the human genome, which harbor thousands of genetic risk variants for common and rare heart diseases and could reveal targets for therapeutics that aim to precisely tune cellular functions. We have recently developed new approaches that could enable mapping this regulatory wiring at massive scale (see Fulco et al. Science 2016, Fulco et al. Nat Genet 2019, Nasser et al. Nature 2021, Gschwind et al. bioRxiv 2023), and applied these and other approaches to understand the genetic basis of complex diseases (e.g., Schnitzler et al. Nature 2024). We aim to expand these studies to systematically map the functions of variants, enhancers, and genes in many cell types from the heart and vasculature.

We are looking for a creative and passionate Research Scientist (PhD-level) to lead the next phase of our efforts to systematically perturb the genome to understand genome function and phenotype. The ideal candidate would lead independent projects, design and supervise large-scale CRISPR data generation projects, manage collaborations between the Engreitz Lab and NIH-led consortia, and play a leading role in writing publications and grants.

Duties include:

• Make fundamental discoveries about gene regulation and the genetics of cardiovascular disease
• Together with PI and other lab members, design and execute scientific projects
• Collect comprehensive perturbation datasets to inform genome function and enable training predictive models
• Develop and apply strategies to study enhancers and genes in human cells and mouse models
• Evaluate and recommend new emerging technologies, approaches, and problems
• Supervise, train, and collaborate with other lab members in experimental techniques, scientific design, and other skills
• Design and lead independent projects
• Collaborate with a team of experimentalists and computational biologists
• Create scientifically rigorous visualizations, communications, and presentations of results
• Contribute to generation of protocols, publications, and intellectual property

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Developmental Biology, or related life science field.
• Expert in genomics, molecular biology, assay development, and high-throughput data generation
• Experience with quantitative data analysis
• Experience with CRISPR targeting ES/iPS cells and/or single-cell technologies a plus
• Experience in multidisciplinary collaborations, management, and/or supervision
• Curiosity in research and creativity in problem-solving
• A great team member with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities
• Ability to adapt to and effectively manage changes in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• A passion for science and sense of urgency to find new medicines to benefit patients

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED): Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and four years of relevant work experience; or Master's degree in a related scientific field and two years relevant experience; or PhD in related science field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED): Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles, expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project, general computer skills and experience with databases and scientific applications, strong analytical skills and excellent judgment, ability to work under deadlines with general guidance, excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately, developing project management skills.