Life Scientist Jobs
Life Scientist jobs are open across pharmaceutical, biotech, government, and academic research sectors, covering specializations in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry, from entry-level research associate to principal scientist and beyond. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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.
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.
Life Scientist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Life Scientist JobsLife Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in life scientist jobs.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field
- Hands-on experience with cell culture, PCR, western blotting, or similar laboratory techniques
- Proficiency with data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, or statistical packages
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice standards and laboratory safety compliance
- Experience designing experiments, interpreting results, and presenting findings to cross-functional teams
- Working knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks such as FDA guidelines or GMP environments
Tips for Your Life Scientist Job Search
Tailor your resume to each study area
Hiring managers in life sciences scan for specific techniques, organisms, or model systems. List the assays, instruments, and cell lines you've actually used rather than broad skill categories, and mirror the phrasing from each job posting you target.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists life scientist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight publications and protocols you authored
Life scientist roles reward documented scientific output. Name the methods you developed or optimized, cite publications even if you're a middle author, and note any SOPs you wrote, since these signal independent scientific judgment to research directors reviewing your file.
Target postings by research stage not just title
Life scientist openings range from early discovery through translational work and regulatory support. Filter for the stage you want, preclinical, clinical, or CMC, so your application emphasizes relevant experience rather than a broad background that reads as unfocused.
Prepare a data narrative for every interview
Expect structured technical screens where you walk through experimental design, controls, and how you interpreted ambiguous results. Practice describing a project from hypothesis through conclusion out loud, since panel interviewers in life sciences assess scientific rigor as much as communication.
Negotiate start date around any IP restrictions
If you're moving from a competing lab or company, check whether a garden leave clause or IP agreement limits what you can discuss or start immediately. Flagging this early in the offer conversation prevents rescinded offers and builds trust with the hiring team.
Life Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most life scientists?
Stanford University, Anthropic, and Amazon Web Services are hiring the most life scientists right now, with openings concentrated in California, Washington, and Georgia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is highest at companies with active drug development pipelines or government research contracts.
How many life scientist jobs are remote?
About 89% of life scientist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies sharply by function. Roles in regulatory affairs, bioinformatics, scientific writing, and data curation are most likely to offer remote arrangements, while wet-lab and clinical support positions almost always require on-site presence.
How do you become a life scientist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field and build hands-on laboratory skills through coursework, undergraduate research, or internships. Many positions, especially in research or drug discovery, prefer or require a master's or doctoral degree. Gaining experience with standard techniques like PCR, cell culture, and data analysis software makes you competitive for entry-level roles, and publishing or co-authoring research strengthens your profile further.
How do you get hired as a life scientist with little experience?
Focus on roles titled research associate, laboratory technician, or junior scientist, which are designed for candidates early in their careers. Emphasize any hands-on lab work from coursework, independent study, or volunteer research. Highlight specific techniques you've performed rather than general coursework, and be clear about which instruments and protocols you've operated independently versus under supervision, since hiring managers weigh practical skills heavily.
What does the life scientist interview process look like?
Most life scientist interviews begin with a recruiter screen followed by a technical phone or video interview with a scientist or lab manager who asks about your experimental methods and how you troubleshoot failed experiments. Finalists typically attend an on-site day that includes a research presentation or chalk talk, panel interviews with cross-functional colleagues, and sometimes a lab tour. Some employers also give a written or take-home problem set to assess data interpretation.
Where can I find and apply to life scientist jobs?
You can find and apply to life scientist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 20 Life Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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