Physical Science Research Associate

This position is for a 6-month fixed term and is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. 

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 diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

For more information on the school, click here.

The research interests in the Sperling Lab, within the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, are Earth history and the evolution of life, and the interactions between the biosphere and the geosphere. As such this research can generally be considered paleontology, insofar as paleontology encompasses all aspects of the history of life. Consequently, we define our research agenda by the questions we are interested in, rather than the tools used. This research incorporates multiple lines of evidence, and multiple tools, to investigate questions in the history of life. These lines of evidence include fossil data, molecular phylogenetics, sedimentary geochemistry, and ecological and physiological data from modern organisms. Ultimately, the goal is to link environmental change with organismal and ecological response through the lens of physiology.

The individual will be making laboratory geochemical measurements geared towards understanding how changes to redox conditions affected the Earth system. Specifically, the individual will be making total organic carbon measurements via de-calcification and  Elemental Analyzer, iron-in-pyrite measurements using the chromium reducible sulfide method, and iron speciation measurements using sequential extractions. The individual will be working on sediments from the Silurian-Devonian Cape Phillips and Bathurst Island Formations, Nunavut, Canada, and the Mesoproterozoic Bangemall Supergroup, Australia. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of these time intervals in Earth history and/or these rock units.

Your Responsibilities will include:  

• Participate in the planning and approach to experiments in support of research projects in the lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Conduct basic experiments, under guidance; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Apply the theories and methods of a physical science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Assist with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• May assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
• Making iron, carbon and sulfur geochemistry measurements on geological samples
• Preparing these measurements for database entry on lab-specific forms
• Shipping materials to collaborators 
• Other duties may also be assigned 

* 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.