This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring pause.
The project team is based at Stanford University (main campus) and at Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove, CA. The majority of the duties will be performed at Hopkins Marine Station and involve regional travel and international travel to Palau for a multi-week period.
Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
This is a one-year fixed term position with the possibility of renewal dependent on programmatic need and budgetary availability.
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.
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.
The Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment works to advance global sustainability through new knowledge and practical, fair solutions to pressing environmental challenges. As part of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, the Woods Institute provides an interdisciplinary research hub for scholars from all seven schools at Stanford. Offering targeted research incentives as well as convening, education, and leadership programs, the Woods Institute supports faculty, researchers, and students as they investigate and advance solutions to critical climate, environment, and sustainability challenges. Working on campus and around the globe, the Woods Institute and its hosted centers and programs combine cutting edge scholarship, diverse partnerships, and deep engagement across sectors and disciplines to advance just, practical solutions for people and the planet.
The Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) catalyzes research innovation and action to improve the health of the oceans for the people who depend on them the most. COS capitalizes on Stanford's broad expertise in ocean science and in the many other disciplines crucial to developing ocean solutions including engineering, computer science, political science, design, and business. Our core team of researchers and fellows partner with other research institutions, national and international non-governmental organizations, businesses and governments, as well as established and emerging leaders in the data revolution.
The Environmental Biomolecular Engineer (Research Technician)--under the direction of Drs. Collin Closek and Halleh Balch--will develop a flow-through chemical process that enables whole water samples to be used for hybridization assays to detect environmental DNA (eDNA) and small molecule metabolites in a scalable, compact, and field-deployable platform. The role will assist in sample processing, sequencing, validation tests, contribute to communicating results and expanding stakeholder partnerships. The role provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in novel application of eDNA monitoring to real-world scientific challenges in biodiversity and conservation. The Environmental Biomolecular Engineer (Research Technician) will also gain valuable experience in team-based problem-solving in an international, interdisciplinary research environment. This project builds on established collaborations between the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, ongoing research in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and Palau's International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), the entity charged with research and outreach for the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.
Your Responsibilities will include:
Conduct a landscape assessment of available technologies and miniaturization prospects
Design a waterproof chemical handling flow-through system
Test and optimize technologies for high-performance flow-through system
Perform seawater eDNA extractions, PCR, and sequencing library preparation
Conduct Oxford Nanopore Sequencing
Analyze resulting data
* - 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:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principles to problem solve work.
Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
Certifications and Licenses:
None
In addition, our preferred qualifications include:
Detail-oriented
Self-motivated and takes initiative in starting projects
Strong communication, molecular, and computational skills
Organized and completes work products within projected timelines
Ability to work independently and in a 20-person team, while reporting progress and challenges with collaborators
Basic knowledge of ecology
Basic knowledge of genomics
Applied experience in Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms
Background in bioengineering, mechanical engineering, and/or molecular technologies
* - 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 $32.58 to $38.48 per hour.
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.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
How to Apply We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the "Apply for Job" button.
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.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
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.
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?
