Research Professional

Details

Posted: 22-Feb-24

Location: Stanford, California

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 102315

This position can be based at Stanford Hopkins Marine Station campus and open to remote. 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 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 is 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 15 faculty, 15 staff, and 40 graduate students on site.

The De Leo Lab (https://deleolab.stanford.edu/people ) seeks applicants for a 100% FTE Research Professional. The Research Professional will work in a team whose primary focus is to investigate environmental and ecological drivers of schistosomiasis in Africa and in South America. Our projects investigate the viability and cost-effectiveness of a range of control approaches to reduce or eliminate human schistosomiasis by (a) integrating field malacology work with drone and satellite imagery to identify potential transmission hotspot of schistosomiasis and (b) using the available information to develop network epidemiological models and explore intervention strategies in the multi-objective/multi-attribute and in the framework of Optimal Control Theory.

The Research Professional will work closely with the DeLeo lab to a) design and carry out lab experiments and field work in Brazil, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, and Madagascar, keep note of the outcomes, interpret the results and run statistical analysis of experimental and literature retrieved data; b) organize project agenda, travel plans, and keep control of deadlines; c) assist in all the phases of the publication and outreach process including writing projects reports, research proposals, drafts for the media, and content for project and lab websites; d) contribute to lab maintenance, student orientation, and supervision.

Field activities include: (i) malacology and environmental sampling and snail dissection; (ii) acquisition of drone imagery; (iii) GIS analyses by using Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, and other software. (iv) Data analysis, machine learning and deep learning techniques applied.

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

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Independently conduct and design field malacology studies on selected countries (sampling of freshwater snails, water quality, and aquatic vegetation; snail dissection and identification of snail/parasite species; acquisition of snail biological samples for DNA analysis; operation of drifters to measure water speed and circulation).
• Offer suggestions regarding modifications and development of procedures for malacology (snail) field sampling and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Independently design flight plans, operate drones, and acquire aerial imagery at the project's field sites.
• Offer training courses on unmanned operated vehicles.
• Process satellite imagery and drone imagery, independently conduct GIS analyses.
• Generate maps, tables, and graphs. Properly store, archive, and document online data repositories for data acquired in the field or elaborated in the lab, e.g., Google Drive, Dryad, Box, and Github according to data management plans for each project.
• Independently analyze data, run generalized mixed effect models, generalized additive models, machine learning models (such as Maxent, Random Forest, Bosted Regression Trees), and Convolutional Neural Networks for identification of snails and parasite species.
• Actively collaborate with the PI and students to interpret the data, spatial patterns, and temporal trends in the field sites.
• Support the lab to maintain field equipment, including acquiring new (or spare parts of) drones and tools for field work. Support undergraduate and graduate students in familiarizing themselves with sampling protocols, drone flight plans, and data analysis.
• Write projects reports and contribute to draft research papers and proposals. Review literature about GIS spatial analysis of drone and satellite imagery, including use of cutting-edge artificial intelligence algorithms.
• Contribute substantially and assist in all aspects of the publication process, participate in the preparation of written documents, deliverables, meeting notes, project reports, research proposals, PowerPoint presentations, and content for media and project and lab website. Write the data sections of papers about the field work and GIS analyses.
• Support the PI to develop agendas and maintain tight control of project deadlines; support PIs and lab members in the organization of workshops, meetings, and travel plans.
• Occasionally travel abroad to manage, perform, and steer in-field operations in the field sites. Trips might be required 2-3 times per year and be 1 month or longer.

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 field of science related to research project.
• 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.
• Developing project management skills.
• FAA drone license.

In addition, our preferred requirements include:

• Experience working and living in developing countries (e.g., Peace Corps, international research, international travel), especially in Western Africa.
• Demonstrated research experience in a relevant discipline such as human ecology, geography, social science, biology, aquatic ecology, epidemiology, international development, parasitology, and/or global/public health.
• Demonstrated experience in GIS analyses.
• Demonstrated experience in flying drones.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data analysis, machine learning and deep learning and publishing history using those techniques.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Will require working internationally, both in urbanand rural environments, for extended periods (1 month or longer) per trip up to 2-3 times per year.
• 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.
• Will 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.
• May require repetitive motion.
• Correctible 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 do domestic and long international travels in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Ability to work extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements.
• Ability to work in the field in Sub-Saharan Africa in a dusty, dirty, odorous, and hot environment.

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures . The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.

The expected pay range for this position is $69,000 to $106,000 per annum.

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.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more

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 at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit 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. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching, and clinical missions.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4953
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: H
• Requisition ID: 102315
• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible, Remote Eligible, On Site