Basic Life Research Scientist, General Surgery

About the job

This is a 2-year fixed-term position which may be renewed, dependent upon funding, performance and programmatic need.

From benchtop research to international programs, the Department of Surgery delivers exceptional patient care, provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate education, and advances the field of surgery through innovative basic science and clinical research.

Our department is a high-performing team of dedicated faculty and staff, committed to setting ambitious goals that foster collaboration and drive growth in education, research, clinical training, and innovation—elevating the profile of Stanford Surgery and advancing our mission worldwide.

The laboratory of Dr. Electron Kebebew at Stanford School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery is seeking a Basic Life Research Scientist.

Our research is focused on mechanistic and translational studies in endocrine cancers. The two main areas of investigations are: 1) the identification of molecular pathways that govern endocrine cancer initiation and progression and characterizing the function of these altered genes/pathways using in vitro, 3D and in vivo models, and 2) discovery of therapeutic targets and novel anticancer agents for endocrine cancers.

Core Duties:

The candidate should have experience in standard molecular biology and cell biology techniques, performing and analyzing multiomic data, and be willing to learn, CyTOF and bioinformatics. The candidate must be quick to learn new techniques and be able to modify and adapt standard protocols. The candidate should be organized, display good judgment, have excellent communication skills and be a team player. The candidate will be expected to write and contribute to research protocols, manuscripts and grants.

The candidate will also be responsible for supervising, training, and mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduate students, medical students, clinical fellows, and visiting scientists and participate in collaborations with other research groups.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the scientist with expertise in genetics, molecular biology and or cell biology will conduct translation research. The major responsibilities for this position are to independently perform functional genomic studies using in vitro and in vivo models of cancers, analyze biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in human biospecimens, and evaluate novel targets for cancer therapy. The scientist will also be responsible for supervising and mentoring/training junior scientist and establishing collaborations and managing the daily function of the laboratory and a biospecimen repository.

Qualifications / Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree, and at least 5 years of postdoctoral experience.
• Strong record of productivity and publications.
• Comprehensive understanding of biological sciences principles and expert level of knowledge and skills in field of science related to research projects.
• Must be a self-starter, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work with minimal direction in a change-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational, collaborative, and time management skills.
• Strong ability to write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of the departments and the medical school’s medical education research teams.

The expected pay range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000 per annum. *Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years since their applicable education, field or discipline; departmental budget availability; geographical location, internal equity; among other factors. *

About Us

At Stanford, every employee plays a part in our mission for a better tomorrow—from researchers to operations and from food services to educators. Join our team to work towards a future you believe in.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications 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.

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 by submitting a help ticket.

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. See Admin Guide 1.7.4: Equal Employment Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Affirmative Action Policy; Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 201671
• Job Category: Academic
• Posting Date: 2026-11-06
• Locations: 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 94305, US
• Pay Range: $85,000-$105,000
• Pay Frequency: Annually
• Fixed Term: Y
• Stanford Schools and Units: School of Medicine
• Full time or Part time: Full Time