ICP-MS Laboratory Research Scientist

🔍 Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford, California, United States

New. Research. Posted 1 day ago. Requisition #108332.

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring pause. The role is onsite and requires incumbents to report to work at the Stanford Main Campus. Telecommuting is not available. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter.

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.

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is structured around academic departments and programs, institutes, and the Sustainability Accelerator to drive global impact. The sustainability community is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to 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 existing lab staff and work directly with Stanford researchers. 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 encloses 1000 square feet of metal‑free clean lab space and houses three mass spectrometers (Thermo Neptune Plus MC‑ICP‑MS, Agilent 8900 ICP‑MS, Nu Plasma HR MC‑ICP‑MS) and 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.

• 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 techniques and analytical approaches, including data analysis and QA/QC. Users range from undergraduate students to senior research staff.
• Contribute technical expertise and perform basic research and development to support research programs, including sample selection strategies, calibration, sample preparation for ICP‑MS analysis, and data processing.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff on technique development and 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, and manage lab and instrument cleaning and maintenance.
• Maintain compliance with university, state, and federal health and safety requirements, including permits and handling of radioactive materials.
• The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this classification and are not a comprehensive inventory of all duties. Specific duties may vary depending on department needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in a 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.

• MS in Geochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Prior experience with chemical…