Postdoc Opportunity #1 with Project Unleaded : Laboratory & Measurement Focus

Join the Stanford Center for Human and Planetary Health (HPH) and Project Unleaded for an exciting postdoctoral fellowship 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 postdoctoral fellow with expertise in environmental science, specifically focused on lead exposure assessment. The successful candidate will support ongoing research to improve lead detection in laboratory and field settings for human biomonitoring studies and environmental surveillance. Two projects will be the focus of the first year: improving lead detection of paint (ICP-OES, XRF and colorimetry) and managing the analysis of a representative survey collecting over 10,000 samples of spices, soil and cosmetics in India. The role includes developing and improving analytical protocols, conducting lab and field analyses and training other students and collaborators on analytical approaches. 

The start date is Fall 2025. This is a full-time (100% FTE), one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for a second year, contingent upon performance and funding. The position reports to Dr. Jenna Forsyth, Director of Project Unleaded, Dr. Steve Luby, Faculty Director of the Center for Human and Planetary Health, and Professor Scott Fendorf. The postdoc will receive a competitive salary based on Stanford University guidelines, and full benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing and adapting protocols and techniques for lead detection in field and laboratory settings - including the analysis of consumer products like spices, paint, and cosmetics, as well as the analysis of environmental media like water, dust, soil and air particulate matter for lead and other metals
• Analyzing samples using lab- and field-based measurement techniques including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical emissions spectroscopy (ICP-OES), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and isotope geochemistry
• Conducting analyses using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF and colorimetric techniques in consultation with collaborators
• Analyzing data and disseminating findings to scientific audiences and government stakeholders globally
• Managing students/interns on lab projects as desired and necessary
• Building lab capacity with partners in low- and middle-income countries (with option of international travel)
• Conducting interviews to explore barriers to adoption of rapid lead detection techniques in select countries (with option of international travel)
• Writing scientific manuscripts and other forms of scientific dissemination
• Developing proposals for additional funding and collaborations
• Other organizational tasks including: organizing and maintaining protocols for analyses and quality control
• Pursuing independent research projects related to lead contamination and/or environmental health topics (up to 10% time). 

Required Qualifications: 

• PhD in a discipline related to chemistry, environmental science, environmental health, toxicology, geology, medical physics or a related field
• Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills
• Highly motivated self-starter who thrives in dynamic settings and has the 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
• Advanced analytical experience including independent analysis of various inorganic media in the laboratory (ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GFAAS), as well as maintaining QA/QC and reference materials
• Experience designing and conducting environmental science laboratory experiments desired
• Experience designing and conducting field sampling campaigns, maintaining logistics and data quality

Preferred Qualifications

• Written or verbal proficiency in Hindi, Urdu, Bengali or another common South Asian language

Work Setting: 

• Laboratory-based role based at Stanford University’s Environmental Measurements Laboratory
• May require ~20% travel to train others on analytical approaches and learn new approaches at other laboratories (domestic and international)
• Periodic evening or early morning calls to accommodate global time zones (particularly 7-8am and 7-9pm PT)

Required Application Materials:

• A cover letter describing your research accomplishments, areas of interest, career goals, and relevant experience. (2 page max)
• CV
• Two representative writing samples, ideally one published academic article and a submitted funding proposal if available.
• Contact information for three references – at least one reference should be a past supervisor and another a past team member 

How to Apply: Submit all application materials to mueller7@stanford.edu. Please write ‘Project Unleaded Lab Postdoc Application’ in the subject line of the email.