Senior Scientist, Membrane Protein Biochemistry (Onsite - 2 Year Fixed Term)

About the Rogala Lab

Situated in a highly dynamic research environment within Stanford University School of Medicine and the Stanford Cancer Institute, the Rogala Laboratory investigates metabolic cell signaling on biological membranes, with particular focus on the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, solute carrier (SLC) transporters, and metabolic enzymes. Our research combines protein biochemistry, structural biology (cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography), chemical biology (novel small-molecule binder discovery), and quantitative functional assays to understand how cells sense and transport nutrients and metabolites at the molecular level.

We work at the challenging interface of membrane protein biochemistry and multi-protein complex assembly, developing innovative approaches to reconstitute and visualize signaling complexes on the surface of biological membranes. The lab emphasizes rigorous experimental design, reproducible science practices, and collaborative problem-solving.

Position Overview

Stanford University's Rogala Laboratory is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 3 (Senior Scientist, Membrane Protein Biochemistry) to perform complex functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct a major portion of the research project(s) at the interface of protein biochemistry, structural biology, and quantitative assay development.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled biochemist/structural biologist to take technical and conceptual leadership on challenging membrane protein projects, drive experiments from design through publication, and mentor junior scientists in a collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment. The position offers significant hands-on responsibility, intellectual contribution to project direction, and opportunities for professional growth as projects mature.

Core Duties Include

• Design research approaches for protein biochemistry and structural biology projects, including experimental strategy, execution, data analysis, and writing for publication.
• Develop new protocols and optimize existing approaches for challenging membrane protein targets.
• Perform complex laboratory experiments including protein expression, purification, biophysical characterization, and functional assays; maintain rigorous documentation.
• Analyze and interpret research data using original methods; make strategic decisions about experimental direction.
• Assist with research proposals and grant applications by generating preliminary data and contributing to experimental planning.
• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary collaborations across Stanford and with external partners.
• Prepare progress reports and contribute substantively to manuscript preparation; expected co-authorship on publications.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Perform literature review and propose new research directions based on emerging advances.
• Train and mentor graduate students and junior lab members on advanced techniques and scientific problem-solving.
• Onsite work agreement.

* - Other duties may also be assigned*

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, chemical biology, or related discipline.
• Track record of scientific productivity demonstrated by first-author or significant co-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Technical Expertise - Strongly Desired:

• Protein biochemistry: Extensive hands-on experience with protein construct design, expression system optimization (bacterial, insect, mammalian), and multi-step chromatography purification. Proficiency with FPLC / HPLC purification systems. Analytical UHPLC experience is a plus.
• Membrane protein targets: Demonstrated success working with integral or peripheral membrane proteins. Familiarity with multi-subunit complexes or proteins requiring stabilization strategies (e.g., buffer screening, protein engineering) is a plus. Experience troubleshooting aggregation, poor yields, heterogeneity, and instability.
• Biochemical/biophysical assays: Proven ability to design, develop, and validate quantitative assays. Experience with assay optimization, controls, and statistical validation.
• Structural biology software: Working proficiency with molecular visualization and modeling tools, for example: PyMOL, ChimeraX, Coot, or VMD. Ability to interpret structural data and design structure-guided experiments.

Technical Expertise - Preferred (Highly Desirable but Not Essential):

• Membrane protein reconstitution into nanodiscs or proteoliposomes.
• Experience in developing protein binders (nanobodies, DARPins, synthetic binders) for difficult targets.
• Hands-on single-particle cryo-EM experience including sample preparation, grid screening, data collection, and processing.
• Biophysical characterization: Hands-on experience with methods such as SEC-MALS, DLS, DSF, AUC, ITC, SPR, BLI.
• Molecular dynamics simulation experience (GROMACS, AMBER, NAMD) for protein-ligand or membrane protein systems.
• Experience implementing assays in higher-throughput formats or automated liquid handling platforms.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of challenging technical problems.
• Strong attention to detail with commitment to rigorous experimental design, proper controls, and reproducible science.
• Excellent scientific communication skills (written and oral) with ability to present complex data clearly to broad audiences.
• Proven track record of maintaining organized, detailed laboratory notebooks and data management systems.
• Collaborative mindset with demonstrated commitment to training and mentoring junior scientists.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and adapt priorities based on experimental outcomes and strategic goals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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, 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 with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Developing project management skills.