Careers

Research and Program Manager, Project Unleaded

The Center for Human and Planetary Health’s lead contamination research initiative, now called Project Unleaded, is hiring for a new Research and Program Manager. Project Unleaded’s efforts began in 2020 and have spanned 6 countries with 7 external partners. Project Unleaded prioritizes policy-relevant research and deep engagement with local partners in affected countries to achieve lasting change. Project Unleaded’s mission is to create a healthier world by addressing lead poisoning at the source. Research priorities center around 3 goals:

  1. To identify critical lead exposure sources linked with the human lead burden
  2. To develop, test and scale-up interventions to eliminate sources of lead
  3. To advance lead detection techniques

Project Unleaded is looking for a flexible, collaborative team member who has the ability to contribute independently as a scientist, manage partnerships and a large research program, support and partner with the Director to develop and lead an exciting new program. The Research and Program Manager will initially take a hands-on role in developing and managing core research activities, including study design, field implementation, and data coordination. As Project Unleaded expands, the position will evolve into a broader role overseeing multiple research initiatives, staff, and strategic partnerships in close partnership with the Director.

The ideal candidate will thrive in both individual contributor and leadership capacities—comfortable rolling up their sleeves to launch complex studies while building the operational and scientific foundation for future team growth. This individual is both strategic and operational—equally able to design study protocols, mentor research staff, and set multi-year research priorities with the Director and other senior leadership. The ideal candidate is highly organized, intellectually curious, and has a passion for translating science into measurable global impact. The person thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, interdisciplinary and dynamic environment where priorities can shift regularly to support the broader team’s goals.

Responsibilities will include:  

●      Partner with the Director to define strategic research priorities and translate the program’s vision into action, ensuring alignment across projects and teams.

●      Lead and oversee multi-site, interdisciplinary research studies—initially a large longitudinal cohort study in Pakistan identifying key sources of lead exposure among women and children.

●      Manage 1-2 large international subawards (up to $1 million each) to partners in Pakistan, and later in other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Ensure partner performance, fiscal responsibility, and impact through proactive communication, deliverable tracking, and budget oversight. 

●      Supervise the design and implementation of study protocols, survey instruments, and sampling strategies; ensure compliance with IRB, data governance, and international regulatory standards.

●      Manage scientific operations, including field logistics, procurement, staffing, training, and quality assurance across study sites.

●      Oversee day-to-day program operations in close coordination with the Director, establishing management systems and identifying opportunities for process improvement. 

●      Develop and implement program management tools and knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance coordination and communication across Project Unleaded teams and partners.

●      Maintain program-level budgets, timelines, and deliverables; monitor progress and ensure accountability across research teams.

●      Collaborate with biostatisticians and data scientists to interpret and integrate findings from environmental, biomonitoring, and epidemiologic data.

●      Build and nurture partnerships with government agencies, academic collaborators, NGOs, and community stakeholders to enhance the program’s scientific and policy impact.

●      Lead or contribute to grant writing, fundraising, and donor reporting activities to support the long-term sustainability of the research portfolio.

●      Oversee preparation of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and public communication materials for both technical and non-technical audiences.

●      Provide mentorship and professional development to junior researchers and field teams.

●      As the program grows, work with the Director to develop staffing plans; lead hiring, onboarding, mentoring, performance management, and professional development. May directly supervise 1-2 full-time staff, graduate students, and 1-2 part-time/contingent workers with specialized skills.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Stanford Careers page.