stanford university phd physics

Office: 348 Via Pueblo Mall - Applied Physics Room 116-118 Mail Code: 94305-4090 Phone: (650) 723-4028 Web Site: http://appliedphysics.stanford.edu/

Courses offered by the Department of Applied Physics are listed under the subject code APPPHYS on the Stanford Bulletin's ExploreCourses web site.

The Department of Applied Physics offers qualified students with backgrounds in physics or engineering the opportunity to do graduate course work and research in the physics relevant to technical applications and natural phenomena. These areas include accelerator physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, nanostructured materials, quantum electronics and photonics, quantum optics and quantum information, space science and astrophysics, synchrotron radiation and applications.

Student research is supervised by the faculty members and also by various members of other departments such as Biology, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and faculty of the Medical School who are engaged in related research fields.

Research activities are carried out in laboratories including the Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials (GLAM), the Edward L. Ginzton Laboratory (GINZTON),  the Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory (HEPL), the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the Center for Probing the Nanoscale, and the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Science (SIMES).

The number of graduate students admitted to Applied Physics is limited. Applications to the Master of Science and Ph.D. programs should be received by December 15, 2023. M.S. and Ph.D. students normally enter the department the following Autumn Quarter. Joint applicants for the  Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program  must submit their Knight-Hennessy Scholars application by October 11, 2023 by 1:00pm Pacific Time and Applied Physics application by December 1, 2023.

The Physics subject GRE exam is recommended for the Ph.D. and Master's programs .  Applicants are encouraged to submit scores, but they are not required. The subject GRE score can assist the admissions committee develop a more complete evaluation of the applicant. This is especially helpful for students who apply to our program from less traditional backgrounds or for students whose academic records do not fully show off their academic strengths. The committee is quite cognizant of the limitations of the exam and does not give it weight beyond the complementary information it adds to the existing strengths in the application material. The general GRE exam is optional and has less weight in admissions evaluations compared to the subject exam. The decision on whether to submit GRE scores is completely up to the applicant. 

Stanford undergraduates, regardless of undergraduate major, who are interested in a M.S. degree at the intersection of applied physics and engineering may choose to apply for the coterminal Master of Science program in Applied and Engineering Physics. The program is designed to be completed in the fifth year at Stanford. Students with accelerated undergraduate programs may be able to complete their B.S. and coterminal M.S. in four years.

Undergraduates must be admitted to the program and enrolled as a graduate student for at least one quarter prior to B.S. conferral. Applications are due on the last day of class of the Spring Quarter (June 7, 2023) for Autumn 2023 matriculation and at least four weeks before the last day of class in the previous quarter for Winter or Spring matriculation (November 1, 2023 for Winter matriculation, February 8, 2024 for Spring matriculation, and June 5, 2024 for Autumn 2024 matriculation). All application materials must be submitted directly to the Applied Physics department office by the deadlines. To apply for admission to the Applied and Engineering Physics coterminal M.S. program, students must submit the coterminal application which consists of the following:

Application for Admission to Coterminal Master's Program

Statement of Purpose

Unofficial Transcript

Two Letters of Recommendation from members of the Stanford faculty

Graduate Programs in Applied Physics

The Department of Applied Physics offers three types of advanced degrees:

    the Doctor of Philosophy

    the coterminal Master of Science in Applied and Engineering Physics

    the Master of Science in Applied Physics, either as a terminal degree or an en route degree to the Ph.D. for students already enrolled in the Applied Physics Ph.D. program.

Admission requirements for graduate work in the Master of Science and Ph.D. programs in Applied Physics include a bachelor's degree in Physics or an equivalent engineering degree. Students entering the program from an engineering curriculum should expect to spend at least an additional quarter of study acquiring the background to meet the requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Applied Physics.

Emeriti:  (Professors) Malcolm R. Beasley, Arthur Bienenstock, Steven M. Block, Robert L. Byer (recalled to active service), Sebastian Doniach, Alexander L. Fetter, Stephen E. Harris, Walter A. Harrison, Peter A. Sturrock, Yoshihisa Yamamoto; (Professors, Research) Herman Winick; (Courtesy) James S. Harris

Chair:  Ian R. Fisher

Chair of Graduate Studies Committee:  Aharon Kapitulnik

Professors:  Philip H. Bucksbaum, Martin M. Fejer, Daniel S. Fisher, Ian R. Fisher, Tony F. Heinz, Harold Y. Hwang, Aharon Kapitulnik, Mark A. Kasevich, Young S. Lee, Benjamin L. Lev, Hideo Mabuchi, Kathryn A. Moler, Vahé Petrosian, Stephen R. Quake, David A. Reis, Mark J. Schnitzer, Zhi-Xun Shen, Yuri Suzuki

Associate Professors:  Surya Ganguli, Amir H. Safavi-Naeini, David Schuster, Jon Simon

Assistant Professors:  Benjamin Good

Professor (Research):  Michel J-F. Digonnet

Courtesy Professors:  Mark L. Brongersma, Shanhui Fan, David Goldhaber-Gordon, William J. Greenleaf, Lambertus Hesselink, Zhirong Huang, Vedika Khemani, Matthias F. Kling, David A. B. Miller, W. E. Moerner, Eric Pop, Andrew J. Spakowitz, Jelena Vuckovic

Adjunct Professors:  Thomas M. Baer, John D. Fox, Richard M. Martin

Explore Graduate Programs

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There's only one Earth: We should know how it works

Geophysicists study Earth and planetary processes through laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. At Stanford, our teaching and research focus on understanding systems critical to the future of civilization. Students apply expertise to fundamental research sustaining life on Earth, combining underlying science with studies of Earth’s environment and resource needs. Such breadth of exposure is highly sought after and leads to careers in academia, industry, and government.

Degree programs

Graduate admissions.

The Department of Geophysics offers graduate education in a wide range of geophysical disciplines.

How to Apply

Undergraduate Programs

The mission of our undergraduate programs is to expose students to a broad spectrum of geophysics, including: resource exploration, environmental geophysics, seismology, and tectonics.

Major, Minor, Honors Program

Graduate Programs

The objective of our graduate programs is to prepare students to be leaders in geophysics, academia, government, the private sector, non-profit and other organizations, through the completion of fundamental courses in their major field and related sciences, as well as through independent research.

Current Graduate Student Resources MS, PhD Programs Coterminal MS Program

Meet some of our community members

Rock magnetism.

Ethan Lopes, Ph.D. Student

Exploring Earth's equations

Jenny Suckale, Assistant Professor

Listening to the Earth

Greg Beroza, Professor

Today's Earth science is data driven

The satellite and supercomputer are the tools of modern geoscientists whose work spans from climate change projections to earthquake simulations and energy resources optimization. Stanford Earth scientists are as likely to be in front of an electronic screen, analyzing torrents of remote-sensing data as they are to be drilling ice cores in Antarctica.

Read more about data driven Earth science

Geophysics research

Learn more about our research groups

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Six Stanford faculty among 2024 Sloan Research Fellows

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Stanford Biomedical Physics Doctoral Program (BMP)

The Department of Radiology is happy to announce that a new PhD program in Biomedical Physics (BMP), jointly supported by the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, was officially approved by the University faculty senate on May 20, 2021.

The goal of this initiative is to create a unique interdisciplinary PhD program combining the fields of medical physics, diagnostic imaging, and molecular imaging and diagnostics. Synergistic with multiple departments and institutes from  School of Medicine , Engineering, and Humanities & Sciences, the BMP program is a unique opportunity to leverage Stanford’s outstanding faculty, research, and resources to create a world-class training program. It will target physics, bioscience, and engineering students who are seeking to become the next generation of leaders focused on addressing the technical challenges of clinical medicine.

Program Contacts

Ted Graves, Program Director

[email protected].

• (650) 723-5591 (office)

Sharon Pitteri, Committee

[email protected]

Daniel Spielman, Committee

[email protected]

Daniel Ennis, Committee

[email protected]

PhD Admissions

Main navigation.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development, or teaching. Students in the PhD program obtain a broad education in the core areas of Aeronautics and Astronautics through coursework, while also engaging in intensive research in a specialized area, culminating in a doctoral thesis.

As of the 2021-2022 application term, an MS degree will no longer be required to apply to the PhD program in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Students with a Bachelor’s degree who ultimately intend to complete a PhD degree are strongly encouraged to apply directly to the PhD program, rather than the MS program.

Current Stanford MS students interested in adding a PhD program to their academic career should speak with the staff at the Aero/Astro Student Services Office about the necessary paperwork and relevant policies. If you are a current master's student in the Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics Department, to apply for the PhD, you must complete paperwork prior to conferring the MS degree.

Application Deadlines

We have one PhD admission cycle. Application deadlines are final. A completed application (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and TOEFL scores) must be uploaded by the deadline. Applications will NOT be accepted after the deadline. A completed application (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and TOEFL scores) must be received by the following date:

Autumn 2024-25: December 5, 2023

Application Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the PhD program, applicants must either:

• hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university.
• Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of international applicants .

Students who meet the above degree requirement with a strong technical background in engineering, physics, or a comparable science program are welcome to apply; a bachelor's degree in aeronautics and astronautics or mechanical engineering is not strictly required.

All students interested in pursuing a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics should use the Stanford Graduate Admissions Application . Your application must include all of the materials listed below and be received by Stanford by the application deadline. The fee for online graduate applications is $125.

Required Application Documents

• Online Application
• Application Fee

Statement of Purpose

• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Official TOEFL* Scores, if applicable

Application Fee Waiver

If you are considering Stanford graduate programs and need assistance with the application fees, consider applying for a fee waiver .

Your statement of purpose should identify personal and professional goals. It should also discuss your development to date and your intentions relative to graduate study and life beyond Stanford. The Aero/Astro Graduate Admissions Committee reads your statement of purpose with interest because, along with the letters of recommendation, it offers insight into who you are as an individual. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages (single-spaced).

Transcripts

Submitting transcripts when you are applying, and after you have been offered admission are two separate steps. When applying: You must upload one scanned version of your transcript(s) in the online application. Please read the Applying section of this website for important information about submitting transcripts. If offered admission: Please see this page for information on submitting final official transcripts.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required; one letter must come from an academic source, although at least two are preferred. Recommendations must be submitted online. Please see the "Recommendations" section of the online application for information. Please  do not  submit letters of recommendation through Interfolio.

TOEFL Scores

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) . Stanford accepts only ETS (Educational Testing Service) scores. TOEFL results must be from an examination taken within the past two years. The Stanford institution code for ETS reporting is 4704. You do not need a department code. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please see the Required Exams and Frequently Asked Questions sections on the Graduate Admissions website .

*Stanford will temporarily accept the TOEFL ITP Plus test with the Vericant interview for applicants from Mainland China who are unable to sit for the TOEFL iBT. This exception is requested only for the 2020-2021 application cycle. Applicants may be asked to re-test at a later time once the Stanford TOEFL iBT becomes available, or applicants may be asked to re-test through the Stanford Language Center. Per current University policy, all international students including those from Mainland China must receive English language clearance from the English for Foreign Students program prior to becoming a teaching assistant.

Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned (or will earn, before enrolling at Stanford) a U.S. bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provided in English. U.S. citizenship does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL if the applicant’s first language is not English.

Reapplicants must submit new supporting documents and complete the online application as outlined above, in the graduate application checklist. Only prior official test scores can be reactivated.

Application Status

You may view your application status and decision by logging into your status page . Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to confirm with individual applicants when documents have been received. All applicants should monitor the online checklist to track individual documents. It is the applicant's responsibility to monitor the checklist and ensure that all documents are received by the deadline.

Admission Decisions

Completed applications are reviewed by the faculty Admissions Committee throughout the winter. A select group of applicants will be interviewed during the evaluation process. Letters are sent as decisions are made, beginning in March. The selection of graduate students admitted to the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, and past accomplishments.

PhD Funding

All SoE PhD students who are in good standing relative to their PhD program requirements will be funded to the department’s PhD standard. In all departments, this is at least equivalent to Stanford’s 20-hour-RA salary plus tuition to cover the department’s required enrollment (summer enrollment requirements vary by department).  Funding can include fellowships, research assistantships, training grants and teaching assistantships. PhD students are encouraged to pursue outside fellowships. Besides the prestige, fellowships give the recipient greater flexibility in determining their own research direction.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford Engineering students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).

KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a multidisciplinary and multicultural cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your graduate studies at Stanford.

Candidates from any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years (or nine years, if you have served in your country's military). Applicants must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS.

If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

Application Questions

email: [email protected]

Master's program

Students interested in research with faculty at Stanford should apply directly to the PhD program. The purpose of the master’s program is to further develop knowledge and skills in applied physics and to prepare students for a professional career or doctoral studies. This is achieved through completion of courses, in the primary field as well as related areas.  45 units of completed course work in science and/or engineering at Stanford are required for the M.S. degree. There is no thesis component to the M.S. program, and research within faculty groups is neither expected nor guaranteed. There is no financial assistance from the Department or the University for students enrolled only in the terminal M.S. program. We note that eligible students often obtain teaching assistant appointments through other departments. Students enrolled in the PhD program may file for an M.S. degree en route to the Ph.D. 

The number of graduate students admitted to Applied Physics is limited. Applications to the Master of Science and Ph.D. programs should be received by December 15, 2023. M.S. and PhD. students normally enter the department the following Autumn Quarter. Joint applicants for the  Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program  must submit their Knight-Hennessy Scholars application by October 11, 2023 by 1:00pm Pacific Time and Applied Physics application by December 1, 2023. 

The Physics subject GRE exam is recommended for the Ph.D. and Master's programs .  Applicants are encouraged to submit scores, but they are not required. The subject GRE score can assist the admissions committee develop a more complete evaluation of the applicant. This is especially helpful for students who apply to our program from less traditional backgrounds or for students whose academic records do not fully show off their academic strengths. The committee is quite cognizant of the limitations of the exam and does not give it weight beyond the complementary information it adds to the existing strengths in the application material.  The general GRE exam is optional  and has less weight in admissions evaluations compared to the subject exam. The decision on whether to submit GRE scores is completely up to the applicant. 

The specific 45 units of course requirements for the Master of Science degree are the following, which are also discussed in the Stanford Bulletin :

• Courses in physics and mathematics to overcome deficiencies in the undergraduate preparation.
• Advanced Mechanics or Statistical Physics – 1 quarter (3 units)
• Electrodynamics – 1 quarter (3 units)
• Quantum Mechanics – 2 quarters (6 units)
• 33 units of additional advanced courses in science and/or engineering. 18 of the 33 units may be any combination of advanced courses, directed study units, and 1-unit seminar courses to complete the requirement of 45 units.
• View core coursework list of the MS degree .
• View information about applying to grad school .
• https://graddiversity.stanford.edu/graduate-fee-waivers

View Admissions Overview

View the Required M.S. Program Application

Contact the Applied Physics Department Office if additional information on any of the above is needed.

Ellen Kuhl named director of Stanford Bio-X

Kuhl aims to continue Bio-X’s legacy of facilitating multidisciplinary fundamental research and innovation.

Ellen Kuhl, the Walter B. Reinhold Professor in the School of Engineering and Robert Bosch Chair of Mechanical Engineering will assume directorship of Bio-X on Sept. 1. (Image credit: Aaron Kehoe)

Stanford Professor Ellen Kuhl will become the next director of Stanford Bio-X, an institute under the vice provost and dean of research. Kuhl, the Walter B. Reinhold Professor in the School of Engineering and currently the Robert Bosch Chair of Mechanical Engineering, will begin her term on Sept. 1, 2024, as the Catherine Holman Johnson Director of Stanford Bio-X.

“Ellen Kuhl is a superb researcher whose work fuses basic science with computational methods to develop technologies capable of advancing human and environmental health,” said David Studdert, vice provost and dean of research. “She is also a highly respected leader and has been an active contributor within the Bio-X community for over a decade. Ellen is an ideal person to build on the excellence in research, training, and collaboration that Carla Shatz has cultivated in Bio-X over many years of tremendous leadership.”

Shatz will step down from the role on Aug. 31, 2024, after leading Bio-X’s growth for 17 years. Today, the institute links over 1,300 faculty from 75 departments across Stanford’s seven schools. The institute trains students at all levels, catalyzes interdisciplinary research in biological systems across campus, and generates new knowledge for the benefit of human health.

“I am delighted that Ellen has agreed to take the helm next September. Her vision, energy, and expertise bring an exciting perspective to Stanford Bio-X,” said Shatz, director of Stanford Bio-X, and the Sapp Family Provostial Professor, and professor of biology and of neurobiology. “She will continue to build on the amazing community and collaborative spirit that has made my experience so rewarding and meaningful.”

The search committee, chaired by Professor Markus Covert, engaged widely with the Bio-X community and beyond. They elicited ideas on the institute’s future, as well as the leadership and academic characteristics the next director should have. The committee then recommended candidates to Studdert, who made the appointment in consultation with the provost and deans of the School of Humanities and Sciences , School of Engineering , School of Medicine , and the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability .

“The groundbreaking science and innovative discoveries of our Bio-X community are globally recognized, and Bio-X research is at the forefront of producing new knowledge and scholarship,” said Kuhl. “I am grateful for the strong foundation that Carla Shatz has laid, and I look forward to leading the Bio-X community in fostering innovation, supporting collaboration, providing resources, accelerating growth, and nurturing groundbreaking bio-related programs to fruition.”

A passionate, innovative, and experienced interdisciplinary leader

Since joining the faculty in 2007, Kuhl’s research in the Living Matter lab has transformed the design of theoretical and computational models to simulate and predict the behavior of living systems. Her research group has integrated machine learning and artificial intelligence with physical principles to design computational models that provide new insights into heart failure, COVID-19, brain development, and neurodegeneration.

“I have personally benefited from the unique multidisciplinary and collaborative spirit of Bio-X, which has inspired me in many ways for over a decade,” continued Kuhl . “I’m thrilled to serve as the next Bio-X director and help catalyze innovative solutions to the challenges we face as a society today. Bio-X is an intellectual powerhouse with the ability to incubate and launch new ideas and groundbreaking discoveries for the benefit of human and environmental health. I will work in close partnership with our schools and Stanford’s independent labs, institutes, and centers to connect the bright minds across our campus to achieve these goals.”

Kuhl is a founding member of the Living Heart Project, a translational research initiative aimed at revolutionizing cardiovascular science through realistic simulation with global reach and participants from research, industry, and medicine. At Stanford, she has led strategic planning initiatives to reimagine mechanical engineering with a focus on robotics, human health, and the environment. With a deep passion for education and scholarship, Kuhl has helped launch making@stanford, a campus-wide program housed in the School of Engineering and aimed at providing every Stanford undergraduate with experiences in design, manufacturing, and making. Kuhl is the current chair of the U.S. National Committee on Biomechanics and a member-elect of the World Council of Biomechanics. She received her PhD from the University of Stuttgart in 2000 and her Habilitation from the University of Kaiserslautern in 2004.

Commemorating 25 years of interdisciplinary research

Since 1998, Bio-X has helped facilitate interdisciplinary research in biomedical and life sciences. Crossing the boundaries of disciplines, departments, programs, and schools, Bio-X faculty, postdocs, and students pursue high-risk, uncharted, yet essential research collaborations.

In addition to interactive lab space at the James H. Clark Center, Bio-X provides critical resources – seed grants , graduate fellowships, undergraduate summer research opportunities , and venture funds – to drive early-stage research and train a new generation of researchers. Bio-X incubates experimental ideas from across disciplines and has connected groundbreaking ideas through 252 seed grants, uniting 1,000+ faculty members, 570 post-doctoral scientists, 955 graduate students, and more than 1,000 undergraduates.

Recently, Bio-X commemorated its 25th anniversary , celebrating the institute’s achievements, global impact, and countless success stories. Bio-X’s enduring collaborative culture has become home to those inspired to pursue excellence in research and education.

NeuroTech Training Program

Students bringing emerging technologies to advance neuroscience discovery and human health

The NeuroTech training program draws Stanford graduate students from the technical disciplines of engineering, computer science, statistics, applied physics and physics into the emerging world of neurotechnology. As a NeuroTech trainee, you will spend three years immersed in coursework, research, seminars and travel opportunities designed to introduce you to the unique questions and challenges facing the field of neuroscience, so you can apply your technical skills to advancing neuroscience discovery and human health. Working together with NeuroTeach Cohort Mentors and fellow trainees, NeuroTech students prepare to tackle these challenges and to become leaders in the emerging field of neurotechnology.

Meet our NeuroTech Trainees

NeuroTech Program

The NeuroTech graduate training program is only available to students who have already begun their PhD program at Stanford. If you are not currently a Stanford student, please follow the normal application procedures for the PhD program of your choice, and consider joining the Center for Mind, Brain, Computation and Technology’s mailing list here to learn more about seminars, symposia and other events.

“Technology advances have revolutionized how we study the nervous system and how we treat brain disorders. We fully expect this trend to continue, and our training program is focused on bringing top talent from engineering, physics and other technical disciplines into neuroscience to make this future possible."

Your neurotech experience.

Your NeuroTech experience can begin as early as in the fall quarter of the first year of your PhD with the Experimental Immersion in Neuroscience course, where you can explore if neurotechnology research matches your interests and goals.  Then, after formally applying to the NeuroTech program in the spring of your first or second year, your NeuroTech training will begin in the following year of your PhD, and last three years. 

As a NeuroTech PhD student, you will:

• Have access to NeuroTech Cohort Mentors to design a personalized course of study to support your research project, scientific and technical training, and academic, professional and career goals
• Participate in NeuroTech Training Seminars to practice scientific, communication, leadership, business and interpersonal skills;
• Engage in community building activities with your cohort and the larger Stanford neuroscience community;
• Have the opportunity to explore internships in academia or industry, and more

Diversity and Inclusion

One of the primary goals of the NeuroTech training program is to support diversity among researchers in the neurosciences. We encourage all interested students to apply, and particularly people from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, to submit an application. We are committed to supporting the success of students from all backgrounds through a combination of mentorship and community building, and a commitment to aiding trainees in developing the skills needed to succeed in academia and industry. This includes providing opportunities for all students to learn more about both the obstacles that certain communities face, and about the value of inclusive and diverse collaborations.

Stanford diversity programs

Stanford has several programs to support newly admitted PhD students from underrepresented backgrounds, including the  ADVANCE Summer Institute  and the EDGE Doctoral Fellows Program . These programs help students develop skills and establish communities that can help them thrive at Stanford and beyond. Please contact [email protected] if you would like additional information.

Community Engagement

NeuroTech trainees have access to a variety of community engagement activities to aid them in building personal connections with other interdisciplinary scientists and achieving their research, training and career goals. See below for details on how to engage in these activities.

Seminars and symposia

The Center for Mind, Brain, Computation and Technology (MBCT) hosts a seminar series throughout the year, typically on a biweekly basis, that reflects the diversity of scientific approaches for studying the mind and brain. These seminars include a mix of Stanford faculty, faculty from other institutions and researchers outside of academia. Additionally, advanced student members present as part of the seminar series.

Annually, the Center hosts a Symposium related to a specific theme relevant to the scientific goals of the community. 

Student leadership opportunities

Each year, a student committee organizes the Mind, Brain, Computation and Technology seminar series, and takes the lead in soliciting speaker nominations from the community, inviting speakers and hosting their visits to campus. Additionally, students host the speakers for the annual Symposium.

A Student Advisory Council has been formed with the goal of enabling greater student input into the direction of the center. These students solicit feedback from the MBCT student community, and meet with the Center's leadership several times per year. The MBCT Social Committee brings together students for fun, informal gatherings over coffee and other beverages. The Social Committee plans several events each year, including events with other interdisciplinary graduate training programs on campus.

Trainee support

As a NeuroTech student, you and your cohort of students will be assigned one dedicated NeuroTech Cohort Mentor to receive complementary guidance and support. Each year you will work with this mentor to create or revise your individualized training plan in order to best address your particular research, career and personal goals.

Financial support

Over the course of their three years in the program, all trainees in good standing are eligible to use their NeuroTech Research and Travel fund of $7,500, of which up to $3,000 can be used to support their research, and up to $4,500 can be used to support travel to conferences or workshops. While funding is guaranteed for the 2023-2024 academic year, the exact funding amount for subsequent years is currently in conversation based on available funding resources.

To remain in good standing, trainees must submit an annual progress report that documents their progress toward completion of all program elements and demonstrates their commitment to the training, research and engagement aspects of the program.

Terms and Conditions

Life Science Research Professional 1

🔍 School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford, California, United States

The  School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Position Summary: The Schumer lab ( https://schumerlab.com ) has a position for a motivated research assistant at the Life Science Research Professional I level with interests in genomics, evolutionary, or molecular biology. Our lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary processes. Research in the lab combines experimental and computational approaches with a particular focus on the genetics of natural populations. This position will provide opportunities to learn a range of molecular biology and genomic techniques and offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with evolutionary, molecular, and development biologists.

The main responsibilities of the successful candidate will be performing high-throughput DNA and RNA extractions and library preparation for next-generation sequencing. In addition, some projects will involve using cell culture and CRISPR/Cas9 approaches to investigate genes of interest. Other responsibilities will include performing routine laboratory techniques such as PCRs and cloning, as well as maintaining excellent records of lab work, curating samples and assisting in data analysis.

This is a 100% FTE, continuing, non-exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills, and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences. 

CORE DUTIES:

• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.

* Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in Biology or a related field.
• Full-time wet lab experience (through internships or previous employment)
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques: DNA extractions, RNA extractions, PCRs, cloning.
• Competitive candidates will have strong lab, scientific reasoning, and organizational skills.
• One year or more full-time lab experience is preferred.
• Experience with cell culture.
• Experience with handling samples in high throughput formats.
• The ideal candidate will also have excellent communication skills, computer skills, and attention to detail.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
• May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
• Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.

The expected pay range for this position is $25.96 to $36.54 per hour.  

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and  unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow . We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture . We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources . Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

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 at [email protected]. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

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.

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4943
• Employee Status: Regular
• Requisition ID: 102705
• Work Arrangement : On Site

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