Life Science Research Professional 1 (1 Year Fixed Term)
Stanford University
Life Science Researcher – 1 Year Fixed-Term Virtual Histology
About the Project
We are developing groundbreaking virtual biopsy technology that enables clinicians to analyze skin noninvasively – offering a cutting-edge alternative to traditional biopsies. By harnessing optical coherence tomography (OCT), this technology provides detailed images of skin layers without requiring invasive procedures, reducing patient discomfort while improving diagnostic accuracy. We are actively working with pharmaceutical companies and medical diagnostics partners to bring this innovation to clinical practice.
Position Overview
We are looking for a curious and motivated researcher to join our team and contribute to this exciting work. You do not need to have experience in all aspects of the role—we are looking for someone who is eager to learn, adaptable, and excited about medical imaging and diagnostics. If you have a strong scientific foundation and an interest in applying your skills in a real-world setting, we encourage you to apply.
This project offers an exciting opportunity for individuals who thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
• Assist in the development and operation of virtual biopsy technology.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and clinicians.
• Conduct experiments and record data under the guidance of senior staff.
• Support technology demonstrations and presentations for collaborators, including medical diagnostics companies and large pharmaceutical partners.
• Contribute to process improvements and innovative solutions within the project.
What We’re Looking For
We don’t expect you to have experience in everything listed below, but some familiarity with these areas is a plus. More importantly, we’re looking for someone who is willing to learn on the job and enjoys problem-solving in a hands-on research environment.
• Experience with microscopy imaging techniques (e.g., Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Optical Coherence Microscopy, or Reflectance Confocal Microscopy).
• Basic histology skills, such as sectioning, H&E staining, or other tissue preparation methods.
• General lab skills—pipetting, reagent handling, making agar gels, etc.
• Basic programming skills (e.g., Python or MATLAB)—you don’t need to be a programmer, just comfortable running scripts and making small modifications using ChatGPT.
• Experience using ImageJ or other image processing software.
• Ability to work independently and creatively tackle research challenges.
If you’re excited about the intersection of medical imaging, diagnostics, and innovative technology, and you love learning new skills, we’d love to hear from you!
*- Other duties may also be assigned
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 $31.40 to $38.89 per hour.
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 (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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience with microscopy imaging techniques (e.g., Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Optical Coherence Microscopy, or Reflectance Confocal Microscopy)
• Basic histology skills, such as sectioning, H&E staining, or other tissue preparation methods
• General lab skills—pipetting, reagent handling, making agar gels, etc.
• Basic programming skills (e.g., Python or MATLAB).
• Experience using ImageJ or other image processing software.
• Experience working collaboratively with others in an academic lab environment.
• Interest in and desire to develop and improve the biomedical field.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:
None
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 correctible 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 50 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 blood borne 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.