Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist at Stanford University summary:

The Senior Scientist leads complex life science research projects focused on the structural and functional analysis of protein antigens and antibody complexes to support vaccine and therapeutic development. The role requires expertise in protein engineering, structural biology techniques including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, and conducting various biophysical and cell-based assays. Responsibilities include experimental design, data analysis, team leadership, mentoring, and securing research funding.

Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 4 to perform functions and activities involved in managing major portions of complex research projects and original scientific contributions. The successful candidate will lead research on the structural and functional characterization of protein antigens and antibody complexes to support vaccine and therapeutic development. Deep expertise in protein engineering, biophysical assays, hands-on experience with structural biology techniques (including both X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy), and pseudovirus neutralization assays in a BSL2 environment will be critical in fulfilling this role.

The successful candidate is expected to apply advanced expertise to troubleshoot complex experiments, integrate computational and experimental approaches, and mentor junior researchers. The role includes data analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings, contributing to the lab’s mission of advancing mechanistic understanding and rational design of protein-based immunotherapies.

Duties include:

• Lead multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.

• Perform complex (lab and/or field) experiments, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods; oversee critical analyses of data from entire project.

• Design research approaches for the entire project, including background research, experimental design and execution, problem-solving, and writing up for publication.

• Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.

• Participate in creating new research proposals, and prepare for submission for funding and grants.

• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.

• Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.

• Contribute original ideas of major methodologies significance which alter the course of the investigation, or develop innovative solution(s) to complex research problems.

• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; proceed without consultation with principal investigator to implement new techniques into research project.

• Co-author publications; may present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.

• Supervise other staff, including hiring, performance management, and related duties, in addition to instruction on complex techniques and direction on projects.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

The expected pay range for this position is $115,970 to $146,025 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 ( ) 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…