Applied Scientific Researcher

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 100,082 - 118,812; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking an applied scientific researcher for the Project Unleaded initiative. The role will involve developing protocols, conducting environmental sampling, and leading end-to-end laboratory analyses on campus and in field settings.

Candidates should have advanced degrees in related fields and strong experience in analytical techniques, data management, and scientific writing. Domestic and international travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years relevant work experience; or Master’s with 2+ years; or PhD.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Experience with environmental sampling and laboratory analyses.
• Ability to develop protocols, SOPs, and data documentation.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and adapt environmental sampling protocols with the Director.
• Characterize samples using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF, and colorimetry.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Deadlines

Leadership

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in a related field

PhD in a related field

Tools

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

XRF

Colorimetry

GFAAS

Job description

Position Overview

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. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

This is a three-year fixed term position with the possibility of renewal dependent on programmatic need and budgetary availability.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

About Us

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to create solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

The Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment works to advance global sustainability through new knowledge and practical, fair solutions to pressing environmental challenges. As part of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, the Woods Institute provides an interdisciplinary research hub for scholars from all seven schools at Stanford. Offering targeted research incentives as well as convening, education, and leadership programs, the Woods Institute supports faculty, researchers, and students as they investigate and advance solutions to critical climate, environment, and sustainability challenges. Working on campus and around the globe, the Woods Institute and its hosted centers and programs combine cutting edge scholarship, diverse partnerships, and deep engagement across sectors and disciplines to advance just, practical solutions for people and the planet.

The Center for Human and Planetary Health, launched in October 2024, is the newest Center hosted at the Woods Institute, in close collaboration with the Center for Innovation in Global Health at the Stanford School of Medicine. The Center advances research, solutions, and education to improve health and sustainability. The Center’s flagship research initiative, now called Project Unleaded, is a critical part of the new Center. Drs. Jenna Forsyth and Steve Luby oversee Project Unleaded’s efforts, which have spanned 6 countries with 7 external partners over the past 5 years. Project Unleaded prioritizes policy‑relevant research and deep engagement with local partners in affected countries to achieve lasting change. Project Unleaded’s mission is to create a healthier world by addressing lead poisoning at the source. Research priorities center around 3 goals:

1. To identify critical lead exposure sources linked with the human lead burden
2. To develop, test, and scale‑up interventions to eliminate sources of lead
3. To advance lead detection techniques

This position reports to Dr. Jenna Forsyth and requires some international travel and a flexible work schedule to accommodate meetings with a large global network of partners.

Position Title

Applied Scientific Researcher – Project Unleaded

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 low‑ and middle‑income countries.
• 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

To be successful in this position, you will need:

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a 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 a related science field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• Expert‑level knowledge and skills in the field of science related to the 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.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

The expected pay range for this position is $100,082 to $118,812 per annum.

Benefits

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. Stanford offers a range of benefits and rewards for employees, which may be discussed during the hiring process. For detailed information, refer to the Stanford Cardinal at Work website.

How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.

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 by submitting 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.