Research Scholar – (1 Year Fixed-Term)

Stanford’s Department of Health Policy (DHP) invites applicants for a full-time (100%) Research Scholar (1 year fixed-term) position that will collaborate on research using large-scale, open-source data to support anti-trafficking efforts in Brazil as part of a dynamic, mission-driven team in the fast-growing, interdisciplinary Stanford Human Trafficking Data Lab. The primary research project is a supply chain tracing tool that uses publicly available data to identify supply chains affected by known human trafficking and deforestation cases. Secondary projects include the use of LLMs to compile validated structured data from a large corpus of primary source documents, and social science research to understand the impact of changing environmental policy on human trafficking markets.  

DHP produces interdisciplinary, world-class research on domestic and international health that advances our understanding of how health care can be delivered, and shapes the formulation of health care policy around the world. DHP seeks a Research Scholar in the Stanford Human Trafficking Data Lab working under Professor Grant Miller and in collaboration with several other faculty and researchers. The Stanford Human Trafficking Data Lab is a collegial, multidisciplinary research collaboration with both academic expertise and frontline anti-trafficking experience working to apply the most promising research innovations to combat human trafficking.

The Research Scholar reports to the Lab’s Principal Investigator, and is responsible for overseeing the work of undergraduate research assistance contributing to each project. The research scholar is expected to participate in regular team and one-on-one meetings as needed for each project, to collaborate on the preparation of manuscripts and research reports, and make regular progress reports on each project.

The style of workflow in the Lab requires all members to be collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working in among a team that is often scattered across geographies. The Lab’s Research Scholar will need to act with autonomy, but in a way that reflects Lab priorities as set by the Principal Investigators.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in relevant social science or technical discipline (e.g. computer or data science, engineering) and several years of experience in data science applications. Familiarity with Stanford University policies and protocols is a plus, but is not necessary. Similarly, subject matter expertise in human trafficking or the broader human rights and international development field is preferred, but not necessary.

Duties include:

·        Lead research, source and process appropriate public datasets, develop pipelines and model architecture, and collaborate with the team on a user interface for open data supply chain tracing platform

·        Lead research projects using LLM models to compile and validate structured data from primary document sources  

·        Lead social science research projects to explore the relationship between environmental policy and human trafficking  

·        Attend weekly all-hands lab meetings, one-on-one meetings with Stanford and Brazil-based research team

·        Mentor Stanford undergraduate research assistants, manage collaborative team project work

·        Manage Lab’s open datasets and cloud computing infrastructure as needed for relevant projects

·        Prepare manuscripts, research reports, progress reports, and literature reviews related to research projects

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.

The expected pay range for this position is $94,000 - $124,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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.

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 at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and academic staff. It welcomes nominations of and applications from women and members of minority groups, as well as others who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.