Applied Scientific Researcher

About the role

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring pause. This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need.

Responsibilities

• Develop and adapt protocols for environmental sampling, analysis, and related survey instruments in collaboration with the Director, drawing on prior literature and local context in LMICs.
• Develop and adapt field and laboratory techniques for elemental and isotopic characterization of samples, including procedures for XRF, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and colorimetric methods.
• Produce and maintain detailed documentation—including protocols, standard operating procedures, and data dictionaries—to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and traceability of study data.
• Ensure all research documentation aligns with institutional policies, administrative requirements, and compliance standards.
• Develop systems and tools for secure and accurate data storage and management.
• Oversee logistics for environmental and biological sampling, including scheduling, transport, and use of handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers.
• Create and maintain processes for logging, tracking, storing, and inventorying samples both in the field and on campus.
• Maintain organized protocols for laboratory analyses and quality control.
• Oversee end-to-end experimental design, execution, and sample analysis using a range of laboratory techniques, including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF, and colorimetry.
• Write and edit research materials, scientific reports, manuscripts, and summaries of findings for donors, collaborators, and internal planning.
• Proofread and edit drafts, providing feedback on clarity, organization, and presentation.
• Identify new funding opportunities and support proposal development in collaboration with the broader team.
• Contribute to the development of new research collaborations and projects.
• Support capacity-building with partners in low- and middle-income countries.
• Train research assistants, students, and interns on protocols, laboratory methods, and documentation practices.
• Maintain and update a lab manual and training materials for current and future team members.
• Supervise or manage students and interns as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and four years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field and two years relevant experience; or PhD in related science field.
• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• Expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project.
• General computer skills, experience with databases and scientific applications, and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Developing project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in environmental health, environmental science, chemistry, physics, toxicology, public health, earth sciences, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of relevant research experience, including fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and research project management.
• Experience leading others and working independently, problem solving, and adapting to dynamic resource-constrained environments.
• Hands-on experience with environmental sampling, sample preparation, and laboratory analyses, including independent analysis of inorganic samples using techniques such as ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GFAAS, XRF, and colorimetry.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot analytical or instrumentation issues independently and without supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to develop or adapt scientific protocols, standard operating procedures, and survey instruments.
• Ability to create clear, comprehensive documentation (protocols, SOPs, data dictionaries, lab manuals).
• Strong understanding of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures and data integrity practices for elemental and isotopic analyses.
• Experience managing sample inventories, chain-of-custody procedures, and field/lab logistics.
• Proficiency in data management, including database organization, documentation, and version control.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing day-to-day research operations, including workflow coordination and monitoring project timelines.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse research team, including supervising or training research assistants, students, or interns.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and maintain meticulous records.
• Excellent scientific writing and editing skills, including experience preparing reports, manuscripts, and research summaries.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse partners, collaborators, and field teams.
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and developing grant proposals, donor reports, or funding applications.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally to support fieldwork, training, or collaborations.