Research Scientist (Basic Life Research Scientist) 1 Year Fixed-Term

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University is a leading center for research in immunology, structural biology, and translational therapeutics. The laboratories of Dr. Christopher Garcia and Dr. Anusha Kalbasi focus on understanding and engineering cytokine and receptor signaling pathways to develop next-generation cancer immunotherapies. Research in these groups integrates protein engineering, cellular immunology, and in vivo models to advance fundamental discovery and therapeutic innovation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Stanford University is seeking a Research Scientist (Basic Life Research Scientist) 1 year fixed-term, possibility for renewal to join the laboratories of Dr. Christopher Garcia and Dr. Anusha Kalbasi. This role will focus on the design, execution, and analysis of experiments related to engineered T cell therapies, cytokine signaling, and in vivo tumor models.

The successful candidate will lead and contribute to research efforts involving CAR/TCR-engineered T cells, cytokine and cytokine receptor engineering, and murine models of cancer immunotherapy. This position combines hands-on experimental work with scientific problem-solving and requires the ability to independently design and execute complex studies.

A key component of this role will be the development and execution of in vivo experiments, including management of mouse tumor models and coordination of animal resources across projects. The Research Scientist will also contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings through publications and presentations.

This is an ideal position for a highly motivated scientist seeking to play a central role in advancing innovative immunotherapy strategies in a collaborative and fast-paced research environment.

CORE DUTIES:

•    Lead and execute independent research projects focused on T cell engineering, cytokine signaling, and cancer immunotherapy 
•    Design and perform complex experiments spanning in vitro systems and in vivo mouse models, including tumor implantation, adoptive T cell transfer, and therapeutic studies 
•    Develop and optimize experimental strategies to evaluate CAR/TCR function and cytokine signaling in immune cells 
•    Analyze and interpret complex datasets (e.g., flow cytometry, in vivo tumor response, functional assays) and use findings to refine research direction 
•    Manage and maintain a complex laboratory mouse colony, including designing breeding strategies, overseeing genotyping, and ensuring timely availability of experimental animals 
•    Establish and implement new experimental approaches where existing methods are insufficient, particularly for engineered signaling systems 
•    Collaborate with lab members and external partners to coordinate experiments and advance multidisciplinary projects 
•    Contribute to manuscript preparation, figure generation, and presentation of research findings at internal and external venues 
•    Mentor and train junior lab members in experimental techniques, particularly in vivo models and cellular immunology workflows 
•    Ensure compliance with institutional and federal regulations, including animal protocols (APLAC/IACUC) and laboratory safety standards

QUALIFICATIONS / MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

•    Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field 
•    At least 3 years of relevant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in academia or industry 
•    Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex biological experiments

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Strong background in T cell immunology, including CAR/TCR engineering and cytokine signaling 
•    Experience with in vivo mouse tumor models, including adoptive cell therapy approaches 
•    Experience with flow cytometry (multicolor panels, intracellular staining, phospho-flow) and immune profiling 
•    Experience with primary immune cell culture, including T cell isolation, activation, and genetic engineering (e.g., lentiviral transduction) 
•    Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, vector design) 
•    Experience managing or supporting a mouse colony, including breeding and genotyping workflows 
•    Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative research environment 
•    Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects 
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

The expected pay range for this position is $80,000 - $110,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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 at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

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. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission.