ICP-MS Laboratory Research Scientist

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 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.

To be successful in this position, you will need:

• 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.

The expected pay range for this position is $127,211 to $154,222 per annum.

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 resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.