Associate Scientist - Ultrafast Science/Lcls Ii

Position Overview:

We are seeking an associate scientist to engage and assist a broad user community in the support and execution of world-class experiments in the area of Material Science at LCLS. This position will develop new science capabilities and related instrumentation for the LCLS facility and is expected to develop a successful self-led scientific research project/portfolio.

LCLS is currently undergoing a major upgrade (LCLS-II) that will enable repetition rates (up to 1MHz), enabling the study of ultrafast dynamics in materials at the atomic spatial scale and femtosecond timescale with unprecedented detail. Ultrafast lasers are an important part of the experimental portfolio at LCLS, with the transition to LCLS-II requiring the development and operation of advanced laser systems at high-average and high-peak power for ultrafast pump-probe experiments. The incumbent will help define and lead the Early Science Program for LCLS-II in partnership with researchers at SLAC, Stanford University and the wider Material Science community. They will define and execute R&D projects that fully exploit the new capabilities of instruments at LCLS, ensuring the facility remains at the forefront of international research in this area.

Aspects of the role involve developing new approaches and exploit the emerging capabilities with LCLS-II, such as the momentum-microscope and the qRIXS instrument, to track the electron dynamics and lattice motion at their intrinsic time and length scales, with the ultimate goal of deciphering unique quantum effects, involving fluctuations, coherence, entanglement, and esoteric topology wavefunctions in novel quantum materials. The successful candidate is expected to also help design, conduct and support complementary experiments at the new Arrillaga Science Center laboratories, including but are not limited to time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy, laser-based x-ray generation and experiments employing instruments such as the k-microscope.

It is expected that the candidate will pursue these opportunities while developing a collaborative and strong user support framework for optimal use of the facility as a whole. The candidate is expected to engage in scientific research, and to help 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 at least three references for letters of recommendation with the application.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work with LCLS users in performing cutting-edge X-ray experiments.
• Work with LCLS staff scientists to assist external and in-house users with the planning, execution and interpretation of experiments.
• Collaborate with other SRD scientists and personnel in other Divisions within LCLS
• Participate in the planning and performing of experiments at the forefront of ultrafast science using laser infrastructures and LCLS.
• Work with LCLS leadership and actively participate in growing a broader FEL user community for LCLS-II
• Participate in science, research and development within the SRD division at LCLS.
• Disseminate research results through peer reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.
• Participate in operational and X-ray improvement projects that enhance the capabilities and efficient operation of the Material Science program for LCLS-II

What we expect you to bring:

• Strong analytical and computational skills, and experience with time-resolved methods
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments.
• Ability to carry out independent research, collaborate closely with colleagues conducting experimental research, and participate in the writing of scientific proposals to fund research.
• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Material Science, or related fields and 0-2 years of experience in conducting research in ultrafast science using either FEL and/or laboratory-based sources.
• Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.
• Research record as evidenced by a publication record commensurate with level of work experience.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Knowledge of and experience in ultrafast spectroscopy
• Have some experience with synthesis of 2D quantum systems.
• Knowledge of optical to THz laser pulses and ways of manipulating them
• Background in time-resolved XRD and ARPES

SLAC Employee Competencies

• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals
• 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.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

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

-

• Duration: 3 Year Fixed term
• Grade: K, Job Code: 1092
• Classification: Associate Scientist

The expected pay range for this position is $108000 to $163,000 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.