Job Information
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Associate Scientist - Materials Science Hard X-ray in Menlo Park, California
Associate Scientist - Materials Science Hard X-ray
Job ID
6133
Location
SLAC - Menlo Park, CA
Full-Time
Temporary
SLAC Job Postings
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 Scientist with expertise in materials characterization using advanced hard X-ray, synchrotron-based techniques. This position will require a full understanding of one or more advanced hard X-ray characterization methods such as X-ray surface scattering or X-ray microscopy, including instrument optimization, experimental planning and data analysis. The associate scientist will be responsible for managing the existing user programs with responsibilities including scheduling user proposals, planning experiments, configuring the beamline, and training/supporting users at one or more of the hard X-ray materials science beamlines. This position will involve the development of novel capabilities at beamline(s), such as sample environments for in-situ/operando measurements, which support efforts to grow new user science. This position will also involve the continued development of data analysis tools, preferably building upon tools being actively developed across the global lightsource community.
The associate scientist will interact with users from across the globe with a diverse set of scientific applications. In addition to materials characterization, strong user programs exist in applications of geoscience, chemistry, and biochemistry at SSRL. The candidate will need strong communication skills to determine the optimal instrument configuration and characterization approach to answer the science questions driving user research. Moreover, presenting at conferences, workshops, and seminars will be encouraged as an outreach activity. In addition to the responsibilities associated with operation of the user facility, associate scientists are encouraged to develop their own research programs either focusing on continued development of x-ray methods or end use application science.
Note: This position is posted at the Associate 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.
Specific responsibilities include:
Training users at the beamline. This includes training users on the instrument controls, as well as the fundamentals of data handling and analysis.
Supporting users at the beamline. This includes aiding users in making decisions about the specifics of their measurement, 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.
Developing a collaborative research portfolio which nucleates novel science in targeted application areas with an emphasis on growing new or underrepresented user programs.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
Ph.D. in physics, materials sciences, chemistry, or related fields and 2+ years of postdoctoral experience in synchrotron-based hard X-ray characterization
A solid background in X-ray physics and extensive experience with the use, development, and/or maintenance and synchrotron hard x-ray instrumentation.
Analytical and computation skills, including python.
Research/publication record commensurate with level of work experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to convey complex technical concepts.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
Ability to collaborate across organizations and manage/lead cross-functional efforts.
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.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA. 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: Staff Scientist
Job code: 1092, Grade: K
Employment Duration: 3-year fixed term
The expected pay range for this position is $118,000 to $175,000 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.