Science and Engineering Associate

This position is based at Stanford Hopkins Marine Station campus. 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 will support the critical activities needed for breakthrough ocean teaching and research, and use inspired research to fundamental discovery and impact, including broad interdisciplinary and system-based approaches to addressing global ocean challenges. Our mission and vision will be 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 Pacific Grove, California. HMS has over a 130 year-long tradition as a renowned marine biological station with over 15 faculty, 30 staff and 40 graduate students on site.

The Oceans department seeks applicants for a Science and Engineering Associate at 100% effort. The successful candidate will provide highly specialized technical research and support, expert instruction, and consultation; identify and design solutions to a wide range of unique problems; perform other research and development activities related to research in the ocean environment; and work in collaboration with faculty, postdocs, students, and staff.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Develop creative new or improved technologies and methods needed for the advancement of ocean science.
• Contribute technical expertise in support of ocean technology research and development, in particular autonomous data collection, animal-borne sensors, and experimental controls systems.
• Provide consultation and assistance to faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students to develop technical solutions to research, course projects and experiments.
• Engineer and fabricate complex mechanical and electronic prototypes and systems, while balancing immediate and long-term project goals.
• Oversee research fabrication shop and experimental spaces including managing student access and use; maintain compliance with shop and laboratory safety practices.
• Develop and facilitate seminars / workshops in instrument design and fabrication.
• Assist in the maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment, for example respirometry systems, microscopes, calorimeter, water purification and processing, and seawater aquaria. And carry out those activities, including troubleshooting and resolving problems independently.
• Identify research and development funding opportunities and participate in proposal development, and post-award documentation; contribute to portions of publications and presentations.
• Provide technical direction to other research staff, engineering associates, technicians, and students.
• May perform supervisory duties, including hiring and performance management, and overseeing the work of technicians.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.

To be successful in this position, you will need: 

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or related field, and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills of advanced scientific or engineering principles and practices.
• Extensive experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and performing special technical services involving both development and performance.
• In-depth experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.
• Ability to independently oversee and manage instrumentation or system installation.
• Ability to collaborate with senior engineering and scientific staff to design and develop special purpose equipment and/or systems.
• Experience overseeing the plan, design, and implementation of major scientific or engineering initiatives and ensuring project objective are met.
• Demonstrated ability to review research proposals, evaluate research capabilities, and make recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Experience overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.

In addition, our preferred requirements include:

• Experience in Marine Biology research and development of scientific equipment.

The expected pay range for this position is $108,000 to $129,000 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.