Research Scientist – Neuroscience

The Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine is seeking a Research Scientist with a neuroscience background and expertise in electrophysiology, patch-clamp recording, and calcium imaging to join the Anderson Laboratory.

The Anderson Laboratory is a translational pain and neuromodulation laboratory investigating novel approaches to prevent and treat acute and chronic pain, with a major emphasis on diagnostic ultrasound-guided focused ultrasound for noninvasive peripheral nerve modulation. The laboratory integrates neuroscience, bioengineering, electrophysiology, behavioral models, imaging, and translational research to understand how focused ultrasound alters peripheral neural signaling and to develop this technology toward clinical application.

The Research Scientist will take a leading role in developing the laboratory's mechanistic neuroscience program. The individual will design and perform electrophysiologic and imaging experiments to determine how focused ultrasound and related interventions affect peripheral nerves and sensory neurons, with particular emphasis on neuronal excitability, nociceptive signaling, ion-channel function, and cellular responses.

The successful candidate will have substantial expertise in electrophysiology, patch clamp, and calcium imaging and will be expected to operate with considerable scientific independence. Responsibilities will include experimental design, development and optimization of new methodologies, execution and analysis of complex neuroscience experiments, interpretation of results, preparation of publications and grant applications, presentation of findings, and training and mentoring of junior research personnel.

This position provides an opportunity to participate in a highly multidisciplinary research program spanning fundamental neuroscience, bioengineering, preclinical models, and translation of novel neuromodulation technologies toward human studies.

CORE DUTIES:

Design and lead neuroscience experiments. Develop experimental strategies to investigate neuronal excitability, sensory signaling, peripheral nerve physiology, and mechanisms of neuromodulation. Independently establish experimental parameters, controls, endpoints, and analytical approaches.

Perform advanced electrophysiologic studies. Conduct electrophysiologic experiments including whole-cell and/or other patch-clamp recordings, extracellular electrophysiology, and related approaches to characterize neuronal membrane properties, ion-channel activity, action potential generation, synaptic or sensory signaling, and responses to experimental interventions.

Perform calcium imaging and functional neuronal imaging. Design and conduct calcium-imaging experiments in neuronal preparations; optimize acquisition protocols; perform quantitative image and signal analysis; and integrate imaging results with electrophysiologic and behavioral findings.

Analyze and interpret complex experimental data. Apply appropriate quantitative, statistical, electrophysiologic, and imaging analysis techniques. Integrate findings across experimental modalities and develop mechanistic hypotheses based on experimental results.

Develop and optimize experimental methods. Establish new techniques and protocols; troubleshoot instrumentation and experimental preparations; improve reproducibility and rigor; and recommend modifications to research approaches based on experimental findings and emerging scientific literature.

Scientific writing and dissemination. Contribute substantially to manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, research reports, and grant applications. Present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental conferences, and scientific meetings.

Mentoring and scientific supervision. Train and mentor research assistants, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other laboratory personnel in electrophysiology, patch clamp, calcium imaging, experimental design, data analysis, and rigorous scientific practices.

Laboratory and collaborative activities. Participate in multidisciplinary collaborations, maintain appropriate experimental documentation and data integrity, assist with equipment and laboratory organization related to neuroscience studies, and contribute to regulatory and research-compliance activities.

QUALIFICATIONS / MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in neuroscience, neurobiology, physiology, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred. Candidates should have substantial research experience in neuroscience and demonstrated expertise in electrophysiologic methods.
• Strong candidates will have significant hands-on experience with patch-clamp electrophysiology, preferably including whole-cell recordings from neurons; calcium imaging, including experimental acquisition and quantitative analysis; neuronal or peripheral nerve electrophysiology; experimental design and troubleshooting of technically complex neuroscience experiments; quantitative analysis of electrophysiologic and imaging datasets; and preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Experience with sensory neuroscience, pain neuroscience, peripheral nerves, dorsal root ganglion neurons, ion channels, neuromodulation, ultrasound, or related areas would be particularly valuable. Experience with animal models and ex vivo or in vitro neuronal preparations is also desirable.

The expected pay range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000 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; internal equity; among other factors.

Affirmative Action Statement

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.

COVID-19 Requirements

As an organization that receives federal funding, Stanford University has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/working-stanford/covid19/interim-policies/covid-19-surveillance-testing-policy