Careers

Thank you for applying to work at the Center for Human and Planetary Health! Please note that we are unable to respond individually to all inquiries.

Research and Program Manager, Disease Ecology in a Changing World

The Disease Ecology in a Changing World (DECO) program strategizes and conducts solutions-oriented research to support healthy ecosystems and healthy people. This includes studying the ecological, environmental, and socioeconomic drivers of diseases that are transmitted through the environment. 

This position will focus on working with DECO faculty leadership to advance a research program for DECO that bridges knowledge and action, scales solutions, and engages diverse stakeholders in generating new evidence and recommending solutions. The DECO Research and Program Manager must be able to independently contribute to the research required for DECO’s current cornerstone projects while identifying and recommending opportunities to advance the scope and scale of the DECO program. In addition to conducting research, the incumbent will have the opportunity to lead program coordination and organization, fundraising and grant management efforts, and work to build strategic partnerships including within the Stanford disease ecology community.

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to stanford-hph@stanford.edu. You can find more details about this role on the Stanford Careers application page. Please note that the Stanford Careers portal is not currently accepting applications due to a systems shutdown until July 8 and you must email us directly to apply. The position remains open until removed from the Center for Human and Planetary Health website. 

Applied Scientific Researcher, Project Unleaded

Project Unleaded, within the Center for Human and Planetary Health at the Woods Institute for the Environment, is seeking an Applied Scientific Researcher to support and advance research to identify and prioritize the most important sources of lead poisoning globally, develop and test interdisciplinary interventions to mitigate and eliminate these sources, and advance field-appropriate rapid measurement techniques to detect lead in humans and the environment. The Applied Scientific Researcher will oversee the development and application of lead detection methods for a range of media, from contaminated consumer products to environmental samples like air, dust, and soil. The Applied Scientific Researcher will work closely with the Director while operating in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment. The work will have broad scientific and public health impact in the field of environmental health. The successful candidate will be highly independent, organized, enthusiastic, and a motivated problem solver, who enjoys working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Develop and adapt protocols for environmental sampling, analysis, and related survey instruments in collaboration with the Director, drawing on prior literature and local context in LMICs.
  • Develop and adapt field and laboratory techniques for elemental and isotopic characterization of samples, including procedures for XRF, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and colorimetric methods.
  • Produce and maintain detailed documentation—including protocols, standard operating procedures, and data dictionaries—to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and traceability of study data.
  • Ensure all research documentation aligns with institutional policies, administrative requirements, and compliance standards.
  • Develop systems and tools for secure and accurate data storage and management.
  • Oversee logistics for environmental and biological sampling, including scheduling, transport, and use of handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers.
  • Create and maintain processes for logging, tracking, storing, and inventorying samples both in the field and on campus.
  • Maintain organized protocols for laboratory analyses and quality control.
  • Oversee end-to-end experimental design, execution, and sample analysis using a range of laboratory techniques, including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF, and colorimetry.
  • Write and edit research materials, scientific reports, manuscripts, and summaries of findings for donors, collaborators, and internal planning.
  • Proofread and edit drafts, providing feedback on clarity, organization, and presentation.
  • Identify new funding opportunities and support proposal development in collaboration with the broader team.
  • Contribute to the development of new research collaborations and projects.
  • Support capacity-building with partners in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Train research assistants, students, and interns on protocols, laboratory methods, and documentation practices.
  • Maintain and update a lab manual and training materials for current and future team members.
  • Supervise or manage students and interns as needed.

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to stanford-hph@stanford.edu. You can find more details about this role on the Stanford Careers application page. Please note that the Stanford Careers portal is not currently accepting applications due to a systems shutdown until July 8 and you must email us directly to apply. The position remains open until removed from the Center for Human and Planetary Health website.