Stanford Department of Medicine Seeks Physician Scientists and Research Scientists

November 17, 2025 - By John Knox

Distinguished physician scientists as well as research scientists will find exceptional opportunities in Stanford University’s Department of Medicine. The department has openings for individuals dedicated to fostering the growth of academic medicine research within the department, across the School of Medicine, and throughout the university at large.

“We are looking for two types of outstanding candidates,” says Sean Wu, MD, the department’s senior vice chair of academic affairs. “One is a physician scientist who is engaged in both clinical and research work. We are also interested in research scientists focused on scholarly activity, even if they are active clinically, albeit with a smaller footprint. There are multiple positions for those with PhD only, MD only, or both MD and PhD or equivalent medical degrees interested in assistant, associate, or full professorships.”

A Keen Focus on Scientific Discovery

While the department is recruiting both physician scientists and research scientists across a range of disciplines, a shared thread among these roles is a strong grounding in scientific discovery — an area where Stanford has long excelled.

“A strong foundation across the full spectrum of discovery — from fundamental science to applied and translational research — is integral to Stanford’s history and culture, and that has led to Nobel Prizes and other prestigious awards and grants in recent decades. We want to leverage that strength and partner with top-notch research scientists to become an even more robust clinical department,” says Department Chair Euan Ashley, MB ChB, DPhil.

The department covers many activities that involve PhD scientists, who often address fundamental questions of science and medicine while contributing on the main campus of the university as well as within the Stanford School of Medicine and the Department of Medicine.

Synergistic Opportunities

Stanford is uniquely positioned for scientists wishing to join a dynamic community.

“With so much research being team-based these days, especially when studies demand expertise from people with different backgrounds, scientists or physician scientists in our department have every advantage for cooperation to make their science so much better,” Wu says. 

For example, Han Zhu, MD , assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine, combines her twin focus on cardiology and oncology to direct the translational cardio-oncology research program. Her research involves active collaborations with clinicians and scientists in hematology, oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology as well as with basic scientists in the microbiology immunology department. 

In addition, Stanford’s place in the Silicon Valley ecosystem promotes an innovative environment that encourages a start-up culture while presenting distinct opportunities to collaborate with major players in industry.

Next Steps

Unlike conventional searches that are launched from within specific clinical divisions, this is a department-led search seeking the best scientists or physician scientists whose work addresses basic, translational, or clinical research within all disciplines relevant to the Department of Medicine.

After applying for either the scientist of medicine or the physician scientist of medicine position, candidates who are advancing to the second round of review will be evaluated by faculty members of specific divisions based on their qualifications and interest. The search will continue until all positions have been filled.