Job Description

This position is based on Stanford's main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

This position is part -time (60% FTE) fixed-term for one year with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and programmatic need.

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 .

Geophysics is a field that integrates geology, mathematics, and physics to understand how Earth works. Research in the Geophysics Department at Stanford has both fundamental and strategic elements, addressing basic scientific and critical societal needs.

Our research and expertise are in high demand, and they are central for coping with challenges that humanity faces as the world's growing population puts increasing demands on energy and water resources and the environment, and as urban centers and complex infrastructure continue to expand in areas exposed to natural and human-induced hazards. We also continue to contribute to the advancement of the fundamental understanding of complex geosystems on Earth, other planets, and satellites in the solar system.

The Department is seeking a part-time (60% FTE) Director for a new facility that will provide support to faculty, staff, and students in using a wide variety of instruments to make field measurements as a component of their research and teaching. We are looking for an experienced Director who has worked with a wide range of field instruments and understands the needs of an academic research facility. The Director will apply their education, knowledge, and expertise to provide technical and logistical support of field programs involving the deployment of geophysical instrumentation. This role will advise and instruct others on the use of complex geophysical equipment and require being out in the field, occasionally for several days at a time.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Develop technical and methodological solutions to complex problems involving instrumentation and field research needs, requiring independent analytical thinking and the application of advanced knowledge
• Provide technical direction and training to users in techniques and approach on highly specialized and sophisticated equipment and instruments.
• Contribute technical expertise and perform basic research and development to support research programs in the field, including instrument selection strategies, calibration, preparation, data reduction, and data quality control
• Collaborate with users on novel technique development and technique refinement to ensure optimal operations.
• Oversee all instruments and equipment in the Shared Field Instrumentation Facility. Coordinate and organize operations, facility and instrument testing, cleaning and maintenance. Perform preventative maintenance along with advanced instrument troubleshooting.
• Determine equipment needs for the facility. Make improvements to existing equipment and instruments and/or develop new equipment and instruments. Develop a system for documenting all available instruments, their current state, and a schedule for required maintenance or upgrade.
• Develop an online system for booking of instruments and requesting field support.
• Determine the need for replacement of instruments, developing cost estimates for purchasing and renting.
• Network and negotiate with local companies to arrange loans/rentals/donations and develop opportunities for collaboration with the private sector.
• Develop training modules and assist in the teaching of courses on using field instrumentation.
• Ensure users complete all required EH&S training and follow facility safe practices. Collaborate with facilities staff, EH&S representatives, and other facility lab managers as required. Administer health and safety programs and ensure safety compliance. Work with Risk Management to develop a system to assist faculty/staff/students in completing all required access/insurance paperwork.
• Perform administrative duties such as documenting maintenance and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs). Develop a streamlined materials and instruments management infrastructure. Maintain a list of outside providers of instruments for loan or rental.
• Develop and manage access to software required for data acquisition or analysis, including negotiating licenses with providers.
• Manage the planning and coordination of fieldwork and assist with field site logistics, including travel to/from.
• Provide any required back-up and/ or troubleshoot to ensure continued operation of deployed instruments.
• Assist with the writing of proposals to acquire or maintain hardware and software.

To be successful in this position, you will need:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Geophysics or closely related field, and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of engineering and related natural sciences such as Geophysics or related field.
• Demonstrated project management experience. Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a complex and technical environment.

In addition, our highly preferred qualifications include:

• MS degree in Geophysics or closely related field.
• 3-4 years of job-related work experience operating a wide range of field instruments and understanding of academic research facility needs.
• Knowledge and practical experience with both the technical and logistical components of field programs involving the deployment of geophysical instrumentation.
• Experience teaching/instructing others in the use of geophysical equipment.
• Excellent communication and customer services skills.
• Familiarity with health and safety compliance regulations.
• Ability to work independently in a remote field setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Experience working as a member of a team.
• Ability to drive a van with ~10 passengers and equipment.

The expected pay range for this position is $108,000 to 139,000 per annum. The actual pay will be pro-rated based on the 60% FTE.

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.

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 by submitting 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.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Part-time
• Job Code: 4981
• Employee Status: Fixed-Term
• Grade: J
• Requisition ID: 103752
• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible

Job Tags

Part time, Fixed term contract, Work experience placement, Local area, Immediate start, Remote job, Work visa,

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