Research Professional

This part-time (50%) position is based on-site at Stanford Hopkins Marine Station campus in Pacific Grove, California. 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 diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

The first new department approved as part of SDSS is the Oceans Department. The oceans are earth’s last frontier and are vital for our health and future. The Oceans Department supports the critical activities needed for breakthrough ocean teaching and research and uses inspired research to drive fundamental discovery and impact, including broad interdisciplinary and system-based approaches to addressing global ocean challenges. Our mission and vision are amplified by strong and durable linkages to other existing and emerging units in the new school and across campus.

A critical and major component of Stanford Oceans is Hopkins Marine Station (HMS) located in Monterey Bay in Pacific Grove, California. HMS has over a 130 year-long tradition as a renowned marine biological station with over 20 faculty, 30 staff, and 40 graduate students on site.

The Palumbi Lab is seeking a highly qualified 50% FTE Life Science Research Professional 3 to perform complex data functions and activities involved in ongoing research projects and independently conduct analyses and create analysis pipelines. The individual in this role will be primarily focusing on coral reef ecological data analysis, statistical modeling, computer vision, and client-based and internet-based research tool development. They will concentrate on delivery of new analytical platforms for visual analysis of coral bleaching patterns, species-dependent resilience to temperature swings in the field, and multi-dimensional statistical analysis of coral colony health parameters. The successful candidate will also be able to interact with field data, help with field research, train users around the world in new techniques, and write up publications about new methods.

The applicant for the position should be enthusiastic, organized, capable of solving problems, and capable of communicating their findings effectively.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Design research approaches for a major portion of research project(s), including background research, experimental design and execution, problem solving, and writing up for publication.
• Develop new protocols; test and evaluate a variety of approaches.
• Conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods.
• Assist with new research proposals and applications for funding and grants.
• Prepare periodic progress reports or written reports on all phases of the research project.
• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section. May be a co-author on publications. Present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; propose new research directions based on new advances discussed in literature.

To be successful in this position, you will need:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and four years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field and two years relevant experience; or PhD in related scientific field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• Expert level knowledge and skills in the field of science related to research projects.
• General computer skills, experience with databases and scientific applications, and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.

Working Conditions

• May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
• May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
• Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
• Must have correctable vision to perform duties of the job.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.

The expected pay range for this position is $44.74 to $53.69 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 ( 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.

Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford, California, United States