Job Information
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Staff Scientist - Chemistry and Catalysis Division in Menlo Park, California
Staff Scientist - Chemistry and Catalysis Division
Job ID
6192
Location
SLAC - Menlo Park, CA
Full-Time
Regular
SLAC Job Postings
Position Overview:
Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and a national research facility for synchrotron radiation science, is seeking a Staff Scientist to join its Chemistry and Catalysis Division. The successful candidate will focus on expanding and supporting SSRL¿s user program and scientific efforts in electrochemical conversions.
SSRL has developed advanced X-ray spectroscopy characterization capabilities, tailored for photo/electrochemical research, and available to the user community. These capabilities include high-energy resolution X-ray spectroscopy, continuous scanning XANES and EXAFS, and high-throughput multi-element fluorescence detection schemes. When combined with custom-designed in situ/operando electrochemical cells, they enable detailed chemical speciation investigations of molecular, nanostructured, and film-based electro/photo catalysts. To address the growing complexity of electrochemical conversion studies, the Chemistry and Catalysis Division seeks a scientist to coordinate and execute dynamic work across multiple SSRL X-ray spectroscopy beam lines. By leveraging the complementary strengths of various techniques¿HERFD, time-resolved capabilities, XANES, EXAFS, and scattering experiments, the scientist will be responsible for delivering novel versatile and integrated instrumentation setups. This coordinated, multi-beamline approach is fundamental to studying a broad range of electrocatalysts under diverse operational schemes, such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and electrolyzers. The scientist will also lead the development of specialized and standardized X-ray electrochemical cells, such as flow cells, two-compartment cells, grazing incident cells, and X-ray-compatible electrolyzers for the user community and for in-house research.
In addition, the Staff Scientist will support the experiments of key existing and future large consortia projects that utilize SSRL¿s capabilities, such as the LiSA solar hub, the CO2RUe Consortium, and EERCs. Their combined expertise in both X-ray spectroscopy and electrochemistry will bridge the skills gap, helping user groups conduct advanced experiments, improving experimental efficiency, and driving scientific discoveries. The successful candidate will be expected to take an active role in expanding scientific outreach and provide user support while at the same time driving an individual, new research program by leveraging funding opportunities from national agencies that support clean energy and chemical conversion research.
Note: The Staff Scientist level is a regular-continuing position and requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievements. Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including brief 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:
Develop and drive a collaborative research program in electro/photocatalysis at SSRL.
Support and expand SSRL¿s user base in electrochemical conversions across multiple X-ray spectroscopy beamlines.
Perform targeted outreach to grow SSRL¿s electrochemical conversion user community.
Actively assist and provide expert guidance to users on designing optimized experiments, data collection strategies, and performing data analysis.
Develop and provide to users tools and tailored capabilities for operando electrochemical experiments (e.g. in-situ cells, quantification of products, excitation sources, etc.)
Participate in the on-call user support program, which may include occasional evening and weekend work.
Regularly develop, execute, and drive research projects, providing mentorship and support to novice spectroscopy researchers.
Contribute to and participate in research across chemistry, catalysis, and energy science as part of the Chemistry and Catalysis Division.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Science, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, or other relevant discipline, with a strong background in synchrotron-based spectroscopy techniques and electrochemistry research.
Minimum 4 yrs of direct experience and expertise with operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy of electrocatalysts, demonstrated through multiple publications and associated experimental work at synchrotron radiation facilities.
Post-Ph.D. research experience in electrochemical conversions.
Proven ability in simulation and interpretation of operando electrocatalysis X-ray absorption spectroscopy data using supercomputing resources (e.g., OCEAN code).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists, technical staff, and user groups, with proven success in team settings and independent initiative in a fast-paced environment.
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.
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
Grade: L, Job Code: 1093
Duration: Regular Continuing
The expected pay range for this position is $148,000 to $213,000 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.