Associate Scientist - Ultrafast, Optical, And X-Ray Science

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 provides unique opportunities to study photochemical dynamics with site and element specificity using soft X-ray spectroscopic techniques. The high average flux of LCLS-II in combination with a femtosecond temporal resolution enables techniques such as time-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering for the investigation of ultrafast dynamics in solution phase, providing new insights into the details of photochemical reaction mechanisms.

The candidate is expected to support the development and deployment of solution phase soft x-ray spectroscopy at the new chemRIXS instrument of LCLS II. Candidates with a strong background in ultrafast spectroscopy and/or solution phase soft X-ray spectroscopy are specifically encouraged to apply. It is expected the candidate will develop a collaborative and strong user support framework within the chemRIXS team for optimal use of the facility. 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:

• Support expansion of the capabilities of LCLS.
• Disseminate research results through peer reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.
• Participate in and organize activities around the new chemRIXS instrument
• Participate in science, research and development within the Chemical Science Department at LCLS.
• Collaborate with other SRD scientists and other Divisions within LCLS.
• Participate in planning and performing forefront experiments in ultrafast X-ray science using the LCLS.

What we expect you to bring:

• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments.
• Experience developing and delivering research activities, including progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• 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 develop, design and test new scientific instrumentation.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or related fields and 2 years of research experience in ultrafast, optical, and X-ray science.
• Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.
• Strong analytical and computation skills.
• 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.
• Experience supporting a complex user facility and/or R&D environment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Research record as evidenced by a publication record commensurate with level of work experience.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Time-resolved methods
• Solution phase soft x-ray methods, at synchrotrons and/or XFELs.
• Processing and analysis of large data sets.
• X-ray instrumentation development and operation
• Optical lasers

SLAC Employee Competencies

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

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.

Work Standards:

• 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:
• As an organization that receives federal funding, SLAC and Stanford University have a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• 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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• Duration: 3-year fixed term
• Grade: K Job code: 1092
• Classification Title: Associate Scientist

The expected pay range for this position is $108,000 - $163,000. 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.