Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist (posted: 01/04/2023)

The Physical Oncology Laboratory (Department of Radiation Oncology) is seeking postdoctoral researchers and/or research scientists who are interested in making a lasting impact through translational cancer research by building novel physical tools and technologies. The lab’s interests revolve around three areas:

- Cancer imaging
- Radiation therapy
- In vitro and in silico cancer models

Multiple NIH-funded research positions are available immediately within the laboratory. Candidates can apply to this position either as postdoctoral researcher (0-4 years post-PhD) or research scientist (4 or more years post-PhD). At the postdoctoral level, the expected base pay for this position is the Stanford University required minimum for all postdoctoral scholars appointed through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The FY23 minimum is $68,238.  At the research scientist level, the salary ranges between $70,000 and $85,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

The lab is looking for candidates who are:

- Passionate about cancer research
- Interested in cracking difficult problems
- Knowledgeable and curious
- Effective communicators
- Able to work across disciplines
- Attentive to details
- Critical thinkers
- Committed to integrity in science

The position will involve developing in vitro microphysiological tumor systems (“tumor-on-a-chip”) for translational cancer research. No specific skills are absolute pre-requisites for this for this position, however, we seek candidates who have experience or are interested in learning and mastering one or more of the following skillsets:

Engineering / Technology
- microfluidics
- microscope engineering
- imaging physics

In vitro tumor models
- 3D organoids models
- tumor-on-a-chip
- wet lab and biological assays
- mouse handling

Molecular Imaging / Therapy
- radionuclide imaging / radiolabeling
- radiation therapy

To apply for a position in the Physical Oncology Lab, please upload your CV and 1-page cover letter as a single PDF file.

For information regarding positions in the lab, please contact Guillem Pratx, PhD

Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Training Programs

The Physical Oncology Lab is a member of the following NIH training programs. Elligible prospective applicants interested in these program can contact Dr. Pratx for more information  (US citizenship/residency restrictions apply).

Questions & Answers

Q: Are you currently accepting Stanford students?

A: The lab is a great environment for learning about medical physics and cancer imaging. However, space and mentoring constraints limit the number of undergraduate and graduate students that can work in the lab. To inquire about a possible student rotation, please send an email with your CV and transcripts. It helps to specify projects in which you have particular interest. Your application will be evaluated based on the needs of ongoing projects.

Q: I would like to apply for a PhD position at Stanford in your lab

Stanford University does not currently have a graduate program in Medical Physics. Students interested in pursuing a PhD at Stanford must first apply a PhD program in the School of Medicine, School of Engineering, or School of Humanities and Sciences. Once a student is admitted into a PhD program, they usually rotate through 2-3 labs before committing to a specific lab. Individual professors cannot hire PhD students that have not yet been admitted by a Stanford program.

Q: I am looking for a postdoctoral position

A: Please consult the open positions above to see if anything matches your background or interests. We will consider all applications, even those that fall outside published openings. We are constantly looking for promising scientists to join our ranks! Stanford provides also several postdoc training programs relevant to the focus of our lab.

Q: I am interested in a visiting researcher position

A: A Visiting Scholar appointment at Stanford can be arranged, provided that the candidate's background matches ongoing research projects. Please visit the Research Section to see if your background is well aligned with the lab's focus.

Q: Does the lab offers summer internships

A limited number of internship positions are available for high school and undergraduate students each year. For your application to be considered, please apply no later than April 1st.