The Laboratory of Jesse Engreitz (Dept of Genetics, BASE Initiative) are seeking a Research Scientist (Life Science Research Professional 3) focusing on human genetics, genome editing, and genomics to lead a project to understand the genetic basis of heart diseases. The Engreitz Laboratory is located in the Biomedical Innovations Building on the main campus at Stanford University and are members of the BASE Initiative in the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center.
Project overview: DNA regulatory elements in the human genome, which harbor thousands of genetic risk variants for common and rare heart diseases and could reveal targets for therapeutics that aim to precisely tune cellular functions — if only we could map the complex regulatory wiring that connects 2 million regulatory elements with 21,000 genes, and genes with thousands of pathways across the diverse cell types in the human body. We have recently developed new approaches that could enable mapping this regulatory wiring at massive scale (see Fulco et al. Science 2016, Fulco et al. Nat Genet 2019, Nasser et al. Nature 2021, Gschwind et al. bioRxiv 2023), and applied these and other approaches to understand the genetic basis of complex diseases (e.g., Schnitzler et al. Nature 2024). We have now identified enhancers that contain disease variants that affect risk for diverse cardiovascular diseases and traits, and aim to study the functions of these enhancers in human cellular models. These studies will ultimately help to uncover biological mechanisms of congenital heart defects, and help to guide diagnosis and treatment for children with heart disease. For information and recent work, see https://www.engreitzlab.org and https://med.stanford.edu/base.html
We are looking for a creative and passionate Research Scientist (PhD-level) to lead the next phase of our efforts to systematically perturb the genome to understand genome function and phenotype. The ideal candidate would lead independent projects, design and supervise large-scale CRISPR data generation projects, and contribute to managing collaborations between the Engreitz Lab and NIH-led consortia. The Engreitz Lab provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary workplace with unique access to cutting edge technologies and scientific thought, with the potential for widespread recognition of scientific contributions. We value a diversity of values, backgrounds, and approaches to solving problems.
The candidate for this position should have hands-on experience in cellular genomics, molecular biology, and technology development; experience with quantitative data analysis; curiosity in research and creativity in problem-solving; strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; experience building or managing teams; outstanding verbal and written communication abilities; ability to adapt to and effectively manage changes in a fast paced and dynamic environment; and have a passion for science and sense of urgency to find new medicines to benefit patients.
Duties include:
- Make fundamental discoveries about gene regulation and the genetics of cardiovascular disease
- Together with PI and other lab members, design and execute scientific projects
- Develop and apply strategies to study enhancers and genes in human cells and mouse models
- Evaluate and recommend new emerging technologies, approaches, and problems
- Supervise, train, and collaborate with other lab members in experimental techniques, scientific design, and other skills
- Design and lead independent projects
- Collaborate with a team of experimentalists and computational biologists
- Create scientifically rigorous visualizations, communications, and presentations of results
- Contribute to generation of protocols, publications, and intellectual property
* - Other duties may also be assigned
In addition to submitting your application via the Stanford web portal, please email your CV and cover letter directly to Prof. Jesse Engreitz (engreitz@stanford.edu).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Genetics, Bioengineering, Developmental Biology, or related life science field is preferred. Highly motivated candidates of all levels are encouraged to apply.
- Expert in genomics, technology development, molecular biology, genomics, and cellular assay development
- Experience with quantitative data analysis
- Experience with CRISPR targeting ES/iPS cells or single-cell technologies a plus
- Experience in multidisciplinary collaborations, management, and/or supervision
- Curiosity in research and creativity in problem-solving
- A great team member with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities
- Ability to adapt to and effectively manage changes in a fast paced and dynamic environment
- A passion for science and sense of urgency to find new medicines to benefit patients
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
- Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and four years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field and two years relevant experience; or PhD in related science field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
- Expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project.
- General computer skills and experience with databases and scientific applications
- Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
- 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 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.
- 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.
