Research Engineer

Research Engineer

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is looking for a highly motivated Research Engineer with a PhD in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering to bridge research and commercialization. The position combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial problem-solving to scale up cement technology, conduct pilot-scale experiments, and support market entry strategies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Take on diverse early-stage tasks to accelerate lab-to-market progress, including process development, market exploration, and engagement with investors, potential partners, or customers.
• Lead scale-up and process development, validating fiber production, and calcination at lab scale (10–100s kg) using a new rotary kiln.
• Collaborate with the team on technology-to-market strategy, including business models and transitioning technology out of the university.
• Serve as a bridge between technical development and business strategy.
• Support fundraising efforts.

To be successful in this position, you will need:

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Publication record or evidence of impactful research.
• Hands-on laboratory and pilot-scale experimental skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Exposure to techno-economic analysis or commercialization of research technologies.
• Interest or experience in entrepreneurship, startups, or technology commercialization.
• Strong communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.

In addition, our preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with scale-up of materials or chemical processes.
• Strong background in cementitious materials or related areas.

The expected pay range for this position is $90,000 to $150,000 annually.

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 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.