ICP-MS Laboratory Research Scientist

Stanfordlivetickets; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO 18+ days/year

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability seeks a Research and Development Scientist and Engineer for the SIGMA lab. You will work with Stanford researchers on high-precision isotopic analyses of waters, earth materials, and environmental samples using ICP‑MS and laser ablation techniques.

The role involves developing new analytical methods, enabling rigorous QA/QC, and coordinating daily lab operations while ensuring safety compliance with university regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related natural science with 3 years of experience.
• Thorough knowledge of quantitative characterization of materials.
• Demonstrated project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical and methodological solutions to complex problems requiring independent analytical thinking.
• Provide technical direction and training to laboratory users in techniques and QA/QC.
• Contribute basic research and development to support lab programs, including sample prep and data processing.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geochemistry/Analytical Chemistry

MS in Geochemistry/Environmental Chemistry (preferred)

Tools

ICP‑MS

Laser ablation ICP‑MS

Ion exchange chromatography

Job description

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring pause.

This role is designated as onsite and requires incumbents to report to work at the Stanford Main Campus. Telecommuting is not available for this role. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

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 Isotopic and Geochemical Measurement and Analysis (SIGMA) shared lab facility in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is seeking a Research and Development Scientist and Engineer. This position will support the existing lab staff and work directly with Stanford researchers in the lab. The lab specializes in high precision isotopic composition and concentration determinations in waters, earth materials, environmental monitoring samples, biological samples, and engineered materials.

Typical lab activities include analysis by ICP-MS using laser ablation and solutions, acid digestion of materials, and ion-exchange based wet chemistry for elemental separation prior to ICP-MS analysis. Research facilitated by the lab includes geochronology, earth history and climate/environmental change.

The facility is composed of 1000 square feet of metal‑free clean lab space and houses 3 mass spectrometers (Thermo Neptune Plus MC-ICP-MS, Agilent 8900 ICP-MS, Nu Plasma HR MC-ICP-MS) as well as an Applied Spectra RESOlution Laser sample introduction system. The facility is part of a network of shared facilities across the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and Stanford University.

Your responsibilities include:

• Develop technical and methodological solutions to complex engineering/scientific problems requiring independent analytical thinking and advanced knowledge.
  
• Provide technical direction and training to laboratory users in laboratory techniques and analytical approaches, including data analysis and QA/QC. Laboratory users range from undergraduate students to faculty and senior research staff.
  
• Contribute technical expertise and perform basic research and development to support research programs in the laboratory, including sample selection strategies, calibration, sample preparation for ICP-MS analysis, data processing.
  
• Collaborate with laboratory staff on technique development and to ensure optimal operations using both laser ablation and solution modes.
  
• Design and develop new analytical methods to co‑evolve capabilities with user needs.
  
• Develop, uphold, and document rigorous data quality requirements for lab users.
  
• Coordinate and organize daily operations, purchase consumables, lab and instrument cleaning and maintenance.
  
• Maintain compliance with university, state and federal health and safety requirements, including the permit, handling and storage of radioactive materials.

* - The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification 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.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors’ degree (in related natural science such as Geochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline) and three years of experience.
  
• Thorough knowledge of scientific principles in quantitative characterization of materials
  
• Demonstrated project management experience.

In addition, our preferred requirements include:

• M.S. in Geochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
  
• Prior experience with chemical analysis using ICP‑MS methods including ion exchange chromatography and clean lab digestion techniques.
  
• Programming in Matlab, C++, R or Python.
  
• Experience in laser ablation analysis by ICP‑MS and/or experience with U/Pb geochronology.
  
• Knowledge or experience in the sample preparation and analysis workflow for geologic samples.
  
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of engineering and related natural sciences.
  
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a complex and technical environment.
  
• Understanding of academic research facility needs.
  
• Familiarity with health and safety compliance regulations and experience working with hazardous materials in a laboratory setting.

Physical Requirements*:

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk‑based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 50 pounds.
  
• Performing repetitive tasks such as climbing, scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, chopping and mixing or operation of hand and foot controls.
  
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to 8 hours.
  
• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
  
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, Allergens/Biohazards/Chemicals /Asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights up to 10 feet, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather.
  
• May require travel.

*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 $127,211 to $154,222 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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.

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.

* - The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification 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 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.

Notice to Applicants

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification 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 accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

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.

Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations.

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full‑time positions.