Research Engineer

Research Engineer

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 for a 12-month fixed term and is based on Stanford's main campus. 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.

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.

We are a multidisciplinary research team developing an innovative, low-carbon cement technology to decarbonize one of the world's most challenging industries. Supported by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS) Accelerator, our mission is to take this breakthrough cement technology from the lab to market, scaling solutions that significantly reduce CO₂ emissions in construction.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Engineer with a PhD in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering to bridge research and commercialization. This role combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial problem-solving to scale up our cement technology, conduct pilot-scale experiments, and support market entry strategies. The position offers the chance to work on high-impact sustainability innovations in a dynamic, mission-driven team that fosters creativity and leadership.

The Research Engineer will be involved directly in the execution, and frequently the design, of a Principal Investigator's (PI's) research activities. Their primary purpose is to assist the PI in attaining the goals of the PI's sponsored research projects. The position may participate in the preparation of proposals, progress, and final reports, and may be the coauthor or sole author of research results, with agreement of the PI.

Your Responsibilities will include:

1. 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.
2. Lead scale-up and process development, validating fiber production, and calcination at lab scale (10–100s kg) using a new rotary kiln.
3. Collaborate with the team on technology-to-market strategy, including business models and transitioning technology out of the university.
4. Serve as a bridge between technical development and business strategy.
5. Support fundraising efforts.

* 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.

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.

* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

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 (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.

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.