Associate Staff Scientist - Materials Science Hard X-Ray

Position Overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a research facility operated by Stanford University, is seeking an Associate Staff Scientist with expertise in materials characterization using x-ray scattering methods. Full understanding of synchrotron scattering experimental methods including instrument optimization, experimental planning and data analysis are desired. The associate staff scientist will be responsible for managing the existing user programs with responsibilities including scheduling user proposals, planning experiments, configuring the beamlines, and training/supporting users at the beamline. Additionally, this position will involve the development of novel capabilities at the beamline including sample environments for in-situ/operando measurements which support efforts to grow new user science in the areas of energy generation, energy storage, microelectronics, catalysis, separations, and synthesis science.

In this position you will interact with users from across the globe, with a diverse set of scientific applications. In addition to materials characterization, strong users programs exist in applications of geoscience, chemistry, and biochemistry. The candidate will need strong communication skills to determine the optimal instrument configuration and characterization approach to answer the science questions driving user research. Additionally, presenting at conferences, workshops, and seminars will be encouraged as an outreach activity.

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 five-to-eight references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Training users at the beamline. This includes training users on the instrument controls, as well as the fundamentals of SAXS/WAXS data handling and analysis.
• Supporting users at the beamline. This includes aiding users in making decisions about the specifics of their measurement (i.e signal quality), troubleshooting issues at the beamline, and escalating issues to the appropriate technical personnel as needed.
• Managing the beamline scheduling, including outreach to users to understand their characterization needs, and working with them to determine the optimal instrument configuration ahead of their scheduled beam time.
• Development of novel sample environments and instrument capabilities to support new capabilities for the user program.
• The development of methods to probe polymer structure evolution during catalytic deconstruction, and industrially relevant processing methods to form polymer components.
• Developing a collaborative research portfolio which nucleates novel science in targeted. application areas of catalysis, separations, or synthesis science.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• A solid background in scattering theory and extensive experience with the use, development, and/or maintenance and synchrotron x-ray instrumentation.
• Ph.D. in physics, materials sciences, chemistry, or related fields and 0 -2 years of experience with small and wide-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) including:
• Ability to collaborate across organizations and manage/lead cross-functional efforts.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to convey complex technical concepts.
• Soft matter characterization which is complimentary to x-ray scattering methods including rheology, dynamical mechanical testing, high temperature gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry amongst others.
• Research/publication record commensurate with level of work experience.

SLAC employee competencies:

• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• 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.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

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:

• 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,
• 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.

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• Classification Title: Staff Scientist
• Employment Duration: 3-year fixed term
• Job code: 1092, Grade: K

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.