NatCap Research Assistant

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring pause. This position is fixed-term for 6 months with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and programmatic need. 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. 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 community with the richness of experience and background needed to create solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change. For more information on the school, click here . The Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment works to advance global sustainability through new knowledge and practical, fair solutions to pressing environmental challenges. As part of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, the Woods Institute provides an interdisciplinary research hub for scholars from all seven schools at Stanford. Offering targeted research incentives as well as convening, education, and leadership programs, the Woods Institute supports faculty, researchers, and students as they investigate and advance solutions to critical climate, environment, and sustainability challenges. Working on campus and around the globe, the Woods Institute and its hosted centers and programs combine cutting edge scholarship, diverse partnerships, and deep engagement across sectors and disciplines to advance just, practical solutions for people and the planet. The Natural Capital Alliance (NatCap) hosted at the Woods Institute operates as a partnership between Stanford University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Minnesota, the Stockholm Resilience Centre, The Nature Conservancy, and the World Wildlife Fund. NatCap’s mission is to pioneer science, technology, and partnerships that enable people and nature to thrive. We do this to help make the world a more livable place; to secure human well-being with thriving ecosystems; to harmonize conservation and human development goals, by developing scientific tools and technology to model and map the distribution of biodiversity and to demonstrate the services provided by ecosystems. For more information on The Natural Capital Alliance, please click here . NatCap is seeking a full-time Research Assistant, with data collection and analysis experience, to be part of a dynamic research team that collaborates with Stanford and global experts. If you are highly motivated, up for a challenge and know how to get things done, this position may be the right career opportunity for you! Your Responsibilities will include: Gathering, cleaning, and prepping available data (data collection). This includes gathering and prepping available data to help communities, governments, and businesses incorporate the values of nature into decision-making. Analysis using InVEST and other biophysical modelling and economic valuation approaches. Conduct literature reviews of studies on ecosystem service modelling and valuation. Help design and carry out field experiments and survey work related to NatCap’s ongoing health-related research. Contribute to InVEST training workshops at Stanford and internationally. Collaborate with the Natural Capital Alliance team to conduct research and present key findings on work relating to NatCap’s core aims above, and potentially further development of gross ecosystem product (GEP) as a policy instrument for aligning environmental and socio-economic imperatives. Perform basic functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct and analyze experiments. Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory. Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes. Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher. Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research. Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals. Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques. The expected pay range for this position is $68,365 to $84,280 per annum. Core Duties : Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory. Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes. Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher. Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research. Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals. Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques. Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in related scientific field. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed. Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work. Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes. General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications. Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.