Project Unleaded Laboratory Research Assistant

Term: Short-term

Join the Stanford Center for Human and Planetary Health (HPH) and Project Unleaded for an exciting opportunity that contributes to a high-impact global program with a mission to create a healthier world by addressing lead contamination at the source. Project Unleaded conducts policy-relevant research that positively impacts the lives of millions of people globally. As an example, read more about the effort to eliminate lead chromate adulteration of turmeric in Bangladesh. Project Unleaded is based at the Stanford Center for Human and Planetary Health, an interdisciplinary Center at the Woods Institute for the Environment in close collaboration with the Center for Innovation in Global Health at the School of Medicine that advances solutions to improve health and sustainability. 

Position Summary: We are seeking a laboratory-based research assistant with expertise in environmental science, specifically focused on lead exposure assessment using spectrometry techniques. The successful candidate will support ongoing research to improve lead detection in laboratory and field settings for human biomonitoring studies and environmental surveillance. 

Responsibilities include:

• Following, adapting and/or developing analytical protocols and techniques for lead detection in field and laboratory settings
• Conducting laboratory analyses of different media using various techniques including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF and colorimetry
• Organizing and maintaining protocols for analyses and quality control
• Maintaining sample inventory and sample storage
• Organizing and cleaning laboratory data with support from lab supervisor
• Summarizing results and key findings from laboratory data in verbal and written formats
• Reviewing and synthesizing written recommendations and summaries from scientific literature
• Assisting with general laboratory tasks as needed that contribute to a clean and highly functioning lab environment

What Will Make You Successful: In order to excel in this role, you should have mastered basic laboratory skills including experience making standard solutions, dilutions, and pipetting. You should have experience preparing samples for analysis via ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and/or XRF and a demonstrated ability to extract analytical protocols from scientific studies. You should be comfortable reviewing and summarizing scientific literature.

Required skills and experience include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field: chemistry, environmental science, environmental health, toxicology, geology, medical physics or a related field
• Analytical experience including independent analysis of various inorganic media in the laboratory (XRF, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GFAAS), supporting QA/QC protocols and use of reference materials. Demonstrated ability to identify issues and seek input when needed.
• Detail-oriented and organized with sample analysis in a laboratory setting
• Highly motivated self-starter who thrives in dynamic settings and demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Experience working in interdisciplinary settings that combine multiple perspectives and disciplines, ideally across topics including environmental and analytical chemistry
• Experience conducting environmental science laboratory experiments desired
• Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills
• Proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets

Reports to: The position includes supervision from Dr. Jenna Forsyth, Director of Project Unleaded and Dr. Steve Luby, Faculty Director of the Center for Human and Planetary Health.

Employment Status: Contingent Employee. Must have authorization to work in the U.S. No visa sponsorship will be available for this role.

Pay: Compensation commensurate with experience. Timecard submission required.

Benefits: No benefits will be provided.

Expected Hours: Full-time for 6 months (preferred). Candidates that are available for part-time work, approximately 19 hours per week for one year or more may also be considered.

Location: Candidates must be located in the Bay Area and able to work on Stanford campus.

How To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter and references to mueller7@stanford.edu. Please write ‘Project Unleaded Lab RA Application’ in the subject line of the email. We aim to fill this position quickly.