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Associate Scientist - Chemistry/Ultrafast X-ray Sciences

Job ID

5954

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, and a national user facility, seeks an Associate Staff Scientist with strong X-ray instrumentation and X-ray spectroscopy background in the hard and tender X-ray regimes. The LCLS, the world's first hard x-ray free electron laser, designed to study ultrafast processes in matter, is one of the world’s premier research laboratories, providing an internationally leading capability in the form of its accelerator based light sources and its science programs. The successful candidate will join the Science Research and Development Division through the Chemistry Department, whose members are responsible for developing new instrumentation and methods as well as performing and supporting innovative ultrafast experiments using x-ray beams from LCLS.

The scope of this position includes the support of the LCLS User Science program and the development of spectroscopic methods that take advantage of the unique properties of LCLS and LCLS-II, mainly for chemistry and bioscience measurements. The candidate is expected to engage in scientific research programs and develop new scientific directions.

SLAC is committed to fostering a work environment that promotes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; you do not need to meet all the Preferred Qualifications to be considered.

Note : The Associate Staff Scientist position is the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Staff Scientist is a 3-to-5-year fixed term research staff position. The second level of this career path, Staff Scientist is a regular continuing position. The Associate position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3-to-5-year period with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level. Appointment to the Staff Scientist level requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievement.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in planning and performing experiments at the forefront of ultrafast X-ray science using the LCLS.

• Participate in science, research, and development within the Chemical Sciences Department.

• Participate in and organize activities around the XCS and TXI instruments

• Support expansion of the capabilities of LCLS.

• Collaborate with other SRD scientists and other Divisions within LCLS.

• Disseminate research results through peer reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• A Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, biophysics or related field and 2 years of research experience in ultrafast, optical, and X-ray science.

• Experience with x-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy.

• Experience with UV-Vis spectroscopy.

• Demonstrated experience as evidenced by a publication record commensurate with level of work experience.

• Ability to carry out independent research, collaborate closely with colleagues conducting experimental research, and participate in the writing of scientific proposals to fund research.

• Strong analytical and experimental skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.

In addition, desired skills and experience include:

• User facility operations and research.

• X-ray scattering techniques.

• Script and program writing in Python.

• Experience in automation.

• Experience with supporting a complex user facility and/or R&D environment.

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

• May work extended hours during peak business cycles. The ability to travel to synchrotron and XFEL facilities around the world to perform experiments.

• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety, and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1—General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

• Classification Title: Associate Scientist

• Job Code: 1092, Grade: K

• Employment Duration: 3-year fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 to $173,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/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.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.