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.
About Us
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS) 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; 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 diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.
The Stanford Cosmogenic Isotope shared laboratory within Stanford University's Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS) is seeking an experienced lab manager to join our team. Research facilitated by the lab includes dating based upon production and decay of cosmogenic nuclides to constrain the timing of surface exposure, burial, and climate/environmental change. The staff scientist will oversee the daily operation of the facility including training and facilitating the needs of its users including the separation and purification of quartz, cosmogenic nuclide extraction, and accelerator mass spectrometry target preparation. Oversight by the staff scientist is vital to ensure proper lab operation and high quality sample preparation. The laboratory has over 850 square feet of clean lab space and is part of a network of shared facilities supported by SDSS.
Duties and responsibilities:
Assume core responsibility of managing the separation and purification of quartz from rocks and sediments and subsequent extraction of cosmogenic nuclides for measurement by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS):
Coordinate and schedule daily laboratory operations, perform instrument calibration and maintenance, purchase consumables, maintain clean laboratory conditions, and schedule waste disposal.
Develop standard operating procedures for lab tasks and establish requirements for data quality control and assurance (QA/QC).
Train and supervise laboratory users in lab health and safety protocols including safe use of HF acid and other reagents.
Train and supervise laboratory users in the laboratory techniques and analytical approaches employed in sample preparation.
Instruct laboratory users in AMS data analysis including error propagation.
Collaborate with lab users, facilities staff, EH&S representatives and other facility lab managers as required.
Maintain compliance with university, state and federal health and safety requirements.
* - 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.
To be successful in this position, you will need:
At a minimum Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience. Educational background in a discipline that employs cosmogenic nuclides methodology.
Relevant laboratory experience in:
processing Earth Materials to extract, concentrate, and purify minerals.
use of HF and other acids to dissolve minerals.
ion exchange chromatography and/or other forms of analytical chemistry.
demonstrated knowledge and experience in the safe handling of concentrated acids including appropriate personal protection equipment to minimize exposure to hazards.
Working understanding of academic research laboratory needs.
Demonstrated experience managing budgets.
Knowledge and experience in managing facilities, operations, maintenance, space, and equipment administration in a research or teaching setting.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Familiarity with health and safety compliance regulations.
In addition, our preferred requirements include:
M.S. degree in Earth Science, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline plus three years relevant laboratory experience (see above). Individuals with a Bachelors' degree and five years of relevant laboratory experience will also be considered. Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
Experience/knowledge in the following areas:
Completed laboratory coursework involving mineralogy and geochemistry including a demonstrated ability to identify minerals in rocks and disaggregated samples.
Physical and chemical processing of quartz-bearing samples to produce purified extracts of beryllium and aluminum for cosmogenic nuclide measurements.
The preparation and calibration of standard solutions by ICP-MS methods.
Knowledge of geomorphology and/or soil science.
Knowledge regarding the formation and decay processes of cosmogenic nuclides.
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 correctable vision to perform duties of the job.
Ability to work in a dusty and odorous environment.
*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 $80,000 to $101,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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.
How to Apply We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the "Apply for Job" button. To be considered, you must submit a cover letter, resume, and the names & e-mail contacts of three individuals capable of evaluating your suitability for the position along with your online application.
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 welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
