Applied Scientific Researcher

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 two-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.

For more information on the school, click here.

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:

• To identify critical lead exposure sources linked with the human lead burden
• To develop, test, and scale-up interventions to eliminate sources of lead
• 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.

Project Unleaded, within the Center for Human and Planetary Health at the Woods Institute for the Environment, is seeking an Applied Scientific Researcher to support and advance research to identify and prioritize the most important sources of lead poisoning globally, develop and test interdisciplinary interventions to mitigate and eliminate these sources, and advance field-appropriate rapid measurement techniques to detect lead in humans and the environment. The Applied Scientific Researcher will oversee the development and application of lead detection methods for a range of media, from contaminated consumer products to environmental samples like air, dust, and soil. The Applied Scientific Researcher will work closely with the Director while operating in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment. The work will have broad scientific and public health impact in the field of environmental health. The successful candidate will be highly independent, organized, enthusiastic, and a motivated problem solver, who enjoys working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• 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.

In addition to the minimum qualifications listed below, our preferred qualifications include:

• 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.

The expected pay range for this position is $99,057 to $120,559 per annum.

Core Duties:

• Design research approaches for a major portion of research project(s), including background research, experimental design and execution, problem solving, and writing up for publication.

• Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.

• Conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods.

• Assist with new research proposals and applications for funding and grants.

• Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.

• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.

• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section. May be a co-author on publications. Present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.

• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; propose new research directions based on new advances discussed in literature.

• Oversee supply and equipment budget under minimal supervision of principal investigator or business manager.

• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.

• Formally supervise and train new staff or students as needed, including hiring, performance management, and related duties. Provide instruction on techniques and consultation on project work.

Minimum Education and Experience

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.

Core Duties:

• Design research approaches for a major portion of research project(s), including background research, experimental design and execution, problem solving, and writing up for publication.

• Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.

• Conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments, and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods.

• Assist with new research proposals and applications for funding and grants.

• Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.

• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.

• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section. May be a co-author on publications. Present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.

• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; propose new research directions based on new advances discussed in literature.

• Oversee supply and equipment budget under minimal supervision of principal investigator or business manager.

• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.

• Formally supervise and train new staff or students as needed, including hiring, performance management, and related duties. Provide instruction on techniques and consultation on project work.

Minimum Education and Experience

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.