Open Positions

The Steinmetz lab in the Department of Genetics at Stanford University is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated Senior Research Scientist (or Research Scientist) to lead a research program focused on developing and refining CRISPR-based therapies for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). While the genetic underpinnings of DCM, including RBM20 mutations, have been extensively characterized in our lab [Briganti et al., 2020; Zhu et al., 2021], translating molecular insights to precise and effective interventions is a pivotal challenge. Building on our pioneering efforts to identify a potential therapy for RBM20-mediated DCM [Grosch et al., 2023; Kornienko et al., 2023], we are now poised to advance several of these strategies to transform patient care.

Position Overview

In this role, you will spearhead cutting-edge research initiatives to design, implement, and optimize CRISPR-based gene-editing therapies targeting RBM20. You will leverage the Steinmetz Lab’s state-of-the-art genomic technologies, including but not limited to single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, single-cell whole-genome sequencing, and image-enabled cell sorting. Your leadership will be instrumental in improving the precision, efficiency, and therapeutic impact of these CRISPR interventions, ultimately accelerating the development of innovative translational therapies to target cardiovascular disease.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Conceptualize, design, and manage a portfolio of DCM-focused projects with an emphasis on the development of novel therapeutics for RBM20-mediated pathologies.
• Method Development: Develop, refine, and apply CRISPR-based therapeutic protocols to enhance therapeutic delivery and editing of RBM20 disease variants.
• Advanced Omics Integration: Utilize single-cell and spatial multi-omic methods to assess therapeutic outcomes at unprecedented resolution.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to independently drive highly collaborative projects with experimental biologists, computational scientists, industry partners and clinical researchers.
• Innovation and Mentorship: Drive methodological innovation, mentor junior team members, and shape and execute the project’s strategic direction to translate findings from the lab to the clinic with a motivation for delivering real-world impact for patients.

Desired Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in CRISPR-based gene-editing technologies and a solid background in cardiac biology.
• Expertise and Experience with single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or other advanced multi-omic approaches.
• Proven ability to lead research projects, solve complex scientific problems, and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional communication, organization, and collaborative skills, with a track record of productive teamwork.

If you are passionate about pioneering therapeutic strategies at the forefront of cardiac gene editing and eager to shape the future of cardiovascular research, we invite you to apply. Your leadership and creativity will drive cutting-edge research, opening new frontiers in RBM20 biology and accelerating the translation of discoveries into precision medicine breakthroughs.

Position 2 Postdoc Fellow : Determining Immunological Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

We are currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow to lead a project on determining the immunological basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The project aims to understand ME/CFS etiology by applying state-of-the-art single-cell transcriptomics to blood samples from ME/CFS patients. Many studies have shown that the immune system is affected in ME/CFS patients, e.g., low activity of NK cells, altered levels of cytokines (signaling molecules of the immune system), and the likelihood of a microbial infection preceding the illness. Together with the labs of Ronald Davis and Mark Davis, the aim of this study is to establish the role of T cells and the immune system in ME/CFS by examining the genetic material in T cells – immune cells that identify and kill infected cells.  Our lab is developing effective methods for sequencing RNA from single T cells, which they are using to understand how T cell behavior may be different in ME/CFS. You will lead the study design and perform experiments, including large-scale single-cell transcriptomics in human T-cells and other cells of the immune system. The data analysis and interpretation will be supported by a bioinformatician from the lab.

For more background on our work in ME/CFS, see Huang et al., PNAS, 2019

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field with strong expertise in immunology and single-cell RNA-seq. Knowledge and skills in analyzing NGS data will be a bonus but not required.

Position 3 Postdoc Fellow: Developing Precision CRISPR Editing Technologies in Human Cells

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work on developing precision CRISPR editing technologies in human cell lines in our systems genetics lab at the Stanford Genome Technology Center. We have recently described a system which improves the efficiency of homology directed repair (HDR) by an order of magnitude by actively recruiting donor DNA to CRISPR-mediated double-strand breaks (Roy, Smith, Vonesch et al. Nat Biotech. 2018). This allows for highly multiplexed, systematic genome editing in the model eukaryote S. cerevisiae to quantitatively measure the effects of all genetic variants in this species. We seek a candidate interested in developing similar HDR-boosting technologies for human cells, including donor recruitment as well as additional approaches, to facilitate CRISPR editing screens in several types of human cell lines. This will enable identification of causal variants and may also have applications for gene and cell therapies. The candidate would be working closely with the team who established the donor recruitment and multiplexed editing technologies in yeast to guide the development of HDR-enhancing systems in human cells.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field with required experience in human tissue culture, transfection, cell line construction, and constructing vectors for mammalian cells. Experience in genome editing (CRISPR, Base/Prime Editors, Talens, Zinc Fingers, etc), next generation sequencing analysis and background in DNA repair will be beneficial but not required.

About the Lab

The Steinmetz Lab is an interdisciplinary research group operating at the nexus of functional genomics, systems biology, and advanced disease modeling. With premier research hubs at Stanford University (USA) and EMBL Heidelberg (Germany), the lab harnesses cutting-edge genomic technologies, computational analyses, and innovative model systems to decode the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits and diseases. Our cross-continental environment drives discovery-based science, accelerating the translation of fundamental genomic insights into transformative solutions for human health.

General Requirements

The appointed candidate should be highly motivated, creative, and well organized. Excellent communication skills, and fluency in written and verbal English, are essential. S/he should be capable of working independently but also enjoy being part of an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and international team.

Appointment term and benefits

All postdoctoral fellows have an initial appointment term of two years and this may be extended to five years in total. Benefits for postdoctoral fellows can be found here.

Join Us

Please submit your application documents directly to Prof. Lars Steinmetz (larsms [at] stanford.edu), including your CV and a brief motivation letter and contacts for two references.