Life Science Research Professional 2

The laboratory of Dr. Cong at Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 2 to join our lab in the Department of Pathology at Stanford University. 

You will be working with an unparalleled, leading-edge community of faculty and staff that are fundamentally changing the world of health care. You will have the opportunity to influence and drive change with your innovative ideas, the ability to make a difference, and participate in human advancements. Our culture is fast-paced, energetic, and growing all the time.  We offer a variety of benefits beyond traditional medical, dental, retirement, and savings options:

• Events and programs for children, sports camps, tuition options

• World-class intellectual stimulation through learning and development classes, workshops, and onsite conferences from leading-edge speakers and faculty

• Work/life and family-friendly policies and reimbursement

• Participation in Stanford’s social responsibility and sustainable programs for a better world

• A vibrant university culture that values the uniqueness of each individual

About the Lab:
 

The overarching goal of the lab of Dr. Le Cong at Stanford (Dept. of Pathology and Dept. of Genetics) is to develop cutting-edge gene-editing and single-cell technology to tackle complex human diseases, with a focus on cancer and neuro-immune diseases. We integrate machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools and apply these technologies to stem cell and organoid models for developing precision gene and cell therapies. Some ongoing projects are: (1) using state-of-the-art CRISPR screens to understand cancer innate immunity and resistance to immunotherapy; (2) probing immune regulation in neurodegeneration in the brain combining human genetics, novel delivery methods, and ML/AI co-scientists; (3) developing single-cell lineage tracing tools to study epigenetic regulation in stem cell models of complex diseases. Our interdisciplinary team has pioneered gene-editing and epigenetic engineering tools, high-throughput functional screening, single-cell multi-omics tools, and agentic AI and AI-XR co-scientists for accelerating end-to-end biomedical discovery. 

To learn more about the investigators, please see our group’s website (www.conglab.com) and Dr. Cong’s profile (https://profiles.stanford.edu/186687).

We are a highly innovative team collaborating with experts working on stem cell biology, cancer, and aging-associated diseases at Stanford. This will be a unique opportunity to learn and grow in AI-native research, biotechnology, and translational medicine.

About the Job:

We are looking for highly motivated individuals to join our laboratory to perform technology-driven research to understand and engineer immune cells (e.g. NK/T cells, macrophages) and stem cells. As we enter the era of “virtual cell model” and “AI co-scientists”, there are major opportunities to innovate in this area to develop better gene and cell therapies for complex human disease and aging-associated disorders (e.g. fibrosis, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s). Specifically, we plan to leverage genome-wide CRISPR and functional screening, single-cell analysis, and AI/ML methods to identify key genes and pathways that shape stem cell fate and determine the best approach to engineer immune cells as “living therapeutics”. This could lead to next-generation immunotherapy for cancer patients, for aging, and beyond. 

A successful candidate will work independently and collaborate with lab members to engage in developing gene-editing and single-cell genomics tools and apply them to the study of immune and stem cells. The candidate will execute bench (wet lab) experiments focusing on tissue culture, next-generation sequencing, and animal studies. The candidate will also be responsible for some basic lab operations and management work. There will also be opportunities for computational skills development, such as bioinformatics analysis. This position offers a rich opportunity to engage in research at the frontier of biotech fields, aiming for the next stage of your career, either in academia or industry.

Duties Include: 

• Plan approaches to experiments in support of research projects in the lab based on knowledge of scientific theory. 
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes. 
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research. 
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals. 
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
   

* - Other duties may also be assigned

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in any of the following fields: molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, immunology, or related biology and bioengineering fields.

• Theoretical knowledge of CRISPR gene-editing and next-generation sequencing.

• Experience with tissue culture, flow cytometry, and basic molecular cloning and cell biology techniques.

• Experience with basic rodent handling and animal husbandry is preferred.

• Takes initiative to recognize and address areas in the lab that need improvement.

• Good organizational skills, lab notebook practices, and attention to detail.

• Self-motivated, good communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required):

• Expert-level knowledge and skills in the field of science related to the research project.
• General computer skills, experience with databases and scientific applications, and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Developing project management skills.

Physical Requirements*:

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds. 
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts. 
• Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls. 
• Must have correctable vision to perform duties of the job.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
• Position may require repetitive motion.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Working Conditions:

• May require working in close proximity to bloodborne pathogens.
• May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. 
• Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator. 
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.
• Due to the nature of the work, this position will be fully onsite.

Core Duties:

• Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s). Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.

• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project.

• Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.

• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.

• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; apply to ongoing research and development of new protocols.

• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section, and to publication of findings. Present ongoing work to colleagues and/or academic conferences.

• Oversee supply and equipment budget under supervision of principal investigator or business manager.

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

• Supervise (either formally or informally) staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.

• Oversee the daily activities of the laboratory including lab maintenance; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.

• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.

• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.

• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.

• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.