SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
Sarafan ChEM-H is an interdisciplinary institute focused on connecting Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health. The institute was founded as a joint venture of the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences. The proximity of world-class biologists, chemists, engineers, and clinicians at Stanford presents a unique opportunity to study human biology at a molecular level, to translate this knowledge into groundbreaking discoveries that advance our understanding of and ability to improve human health. Sarafan ChEM-H has partnered with Stanford Medicine to launch a bold new translational research initiative – Stanford’s Innovative Medicines Accelerator (IMA). IMA aims to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries at Stanford University into new therapeutics that impact human health while improving our understanding of human biology. The Preclinical pharmacology team works closely with the Medicinal Chemistry, High Throughput Screening and Protein Engineering modules. They propel IMA projects with quantitative measurements of drug candidates that guide medicinal chemists and protein engineers toward drug prototypes. Preclinical pharmacology collects information about how drug candidates interact with their targets, affect cells in culture and behave in animals. Preclinical pharmacology informs on how drug candidates will behave in humans.
Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:
- We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
- We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
- We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
- We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Sarafan ChEM-H and the Stanford Innovative Medicines Accelerator (IMA) is seeking a motivated Research Scientist, Molecular Pharmacology to use their skills in exploring the activity of newly synthesized small molecules in your novel biochemical assays. The ideal candidate will use their expert knowledge of enzymology, biochemistry, and biophysical techniques to devise quantitative medium throughput assays to characterize the biochemical activities of novel small molecules. They will have the knowledge, through experience or education, to understand the differences between a rate and a rate constant, and between a first order process and an enzyme catalyzed process. The incumbent will work independently in their area of expertise while interacting with other biologists, high-throughput screening experts, and medicinal chemists as part of several multidisciplinary teams. They will develop, optimize, validate, and perform enzymatic, biochemical, and biophysical assays for highly novel molecular targets as part of the IMA sponsored projects. They will work closely with our medicinal chemists to evaluate the activity of new small molecules in these assay systems with the goal of rapidly translating new biological discoveries into prototypical drug molecules.
CORE DUTIES:
- Perform and analyze enzymatic, equilibrium binding, and cell based assays in support of drug discovery projects.
- Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems.
- Coordinate and work on scientific or engineering installations; plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedule of equipment operations, and supervise routine maintenance.
- Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects.
- Maintain documentation related to research studies and protocols, and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems associated with research or engineering projects, as assigned.
- Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
- Oversee the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Associate degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline, or three years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Experience in kinetic and equilibrium binding measurements.
- Experience in mammalian cell culture, and the use of cells for evaluation of pharmacologic agents.
- Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
- Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to enzymology, pharmacology or cell based assays.
- Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
- Experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.
- Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check own work.
- Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE:
- PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical biology, Molecular Pharmacology or related field.
- Co-authorship or authorship on publications that demonstrate expertise in the field of biochemistry.
- First hand experience with mathematical analysis of enzyme kinetic and equilibrium binding measurements.
- Industry experience in the evaluation of small molecule drug candidates.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.
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.
