Associate Scientist - XCS instrument

  • SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
  • Menlo Park, California
  • Full Time
Associate Scientist - XCS instrument

Job ID

6464

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

**SLAC Job Postings**

**Position Overview:**

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an Associate Staff Scientist to join the Chemical Sciences Department within the Science, Research and Development (SRD) Division at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). The upcoming high-repetition rate LCLS-II-HE upgrade will enhance the available X-ray flux of LCLS by orders of magnitude. It will enable novel types of experiments, e.g. chemistry in complex environments and across interfaces at the intersection of material science and chemistry.

The candidate is expected to support and perform research at the XCS instrument covering a wide range of topical areas across chemistry and material science. Candidates with a strong background in ultrafast spectroscopy and/or serial femtosecond crystallography are specifically encouraged to apply. It is expected the candidate will develop a collaborative and strong user support framework within the XCS team for optimal use of the facility. Moreover, the candidate is expected to actively participate in the instrumentation upgrades enabling research with LCLS-II-HE. The candidate is expected to engage in scientific research, and help to develop new scientific directions.

**Note** : This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed term position for a recent graduate or post-doctoral fellow and is the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3 to 5-year period with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.

Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including a summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

**Your specific responsibilities include:**

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

+ Participate in science, research and development within the Chemical Science Department at LCLS.

+ Participate in and organize activities around the XCS instrument

+ 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.

**What we expect you to bring:**

+ Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or related fields and 2 years of research experience in ultrafast, optical, and X-ray science.

+ Experience developing and delivering research activities, including progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations to diverse stakeholders.

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

+ Research record as evidenced by a publication record commensurate with level of work experience.

+ Background in synchrotron radiation or Free-Electron Laser techniques and instrumentation, with preference for experience in solution phase soft X-ray spectroscopy or a closely related area, plus experience in instrumentation development, sample delivery, data analysis and time-resolved methods.

+ Ability to develop, design and test new scientific instrumentation.

+ Strong analytical and computation skills.

+ Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments.

+ Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.

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

+ Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

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

**In addition, preferred requirements include:**

+ Hard x-ray scattering methods, at synchrotrons and/or XFELs.

+ X-ray instrumentation development and operation

+ Time-resolved methods

+ Processing and analysis of large data sets.

+ Optical lasers

**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.

+ 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 1General Policy and Responsibilities:

+ 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,

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+ Classification Title: Associate Scientist

+ Grade: K Job code: 1092

+ Duration:3-year fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $118,000 - $175,000. 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.
Job ID: 487249306
Originally Posted on: 7/29/2025

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