Applied Lead-Detection Scientist

Stanford University School of Medicine; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment seeks an Applied Scientific Researcher to advance research identifying lead exposure sources globally and to develop field and laboratory protocols using ICP‑MS, ICP‑OES, XRF, and colorimetry. The role requires cross‑functional collaboration, report writing, and donor‑facing summaries.

The position reports to the Director, involves travel, and supports capacity building with partners, while maintaining detailed documentation and training staff.

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 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.

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 LMICs.
• 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.

Skills

Environmental sampling

Laboratory analysis

Fieldwork

Team leadership

Data management

QA/QC

Grant writing

Protocol development

Documentation

Public health

Education

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in environmental health/science/related

4+ years research experience

Tools

ICP‑MS

ICP‑OES

XRF

Colorimetry

GFAAS

Job description

Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment seeks an Applied Scientific Researcher to advance research identifying lead exposure sources globally and to develop field and laboratory protocols using ICP‑MS, ICP‑OES, XRF, and colorimetry. The role requires cross‑functional collaboration, report writing, and donor‑facing summaries.

The position reports to the Director, involves travel, and supports capacity building with partners, while maintaining detailed documentation and training staff.