Associate Staff Scientist � Droplet Delivery Specialist- LCLS-II-HE upgrade
Position overview:
The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, and a national user facility, seeks an Associate Staff Scientist to take a leading role in the development of sample delivery methods and systems, as well as in the application of electrochemical control techniques for studies of transition metal catalysts and redox-active systems. They will leverage current droplet based and liquid jet delivery methods, as well as develop new techniques to enable new scientific measurements and compatibility with LCLS-II-HE upgrades.
The Associate Staff Scientist will contribute to user support activities primarily at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument, where they will develop, optimize, and construct advanced sample delivery systems in-house. These systems will enable high-impact time-resolved crystallography and spectroscopy experiments. In parallel, the Associate Staff Scientist will lead efforts to replicate and improve current start of the art droplet delivery techniques as well as develop new excitation techniques to interface with the system, such as photoactivation, or fluid mixing such as gas-fluid and fluid-fluid. The candidate will work with the Sample Environment and Delivery team on developments to enable compatibility with these techniques for current normal-conducting and will propose, prototype and lead future droplet-based delivery methods that are compatible superconducting high repetition rate XFEL upgrades on the order of 10s to 1000s of kHz, where possible.
This role involves close collaboration with internal staff and external user groups, supporting experiment planning and execution while also driving technical innovation to enhance LCLS�s experimental capabilities. The dissemination of scientific outcomes through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences is expected. The work will be performed as part of a collaborative team of scientists at SLAC and partner institutions.
Note: This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed term position and 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 references for future letters of recommendation with the application. Review of applications will begin in immediately. Later applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Applied Physics, or related field and 0-2 years of Background in microfluidics and/or mechatronics.
- Hands-on experience with X-ray spectroscopy and/or X-ray diffraction techniques.
- Ability to rapidly prototype and test new techniques and vet them for compatibility with X-ray instruments
- Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
In addition, preferred requirements include the following:
- Experience working at X-ray free-electron laser or synchrotron radiation facilities.
- Experience developing complex sample delivery systems, particularly supporting droplet-based techniques.
- Experience with serial crystallography for biology and chemistry.
- Background in studies of redox-active biological or chemical systems.
- Scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB).
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
- Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options
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 As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
- As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
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- Classification Title: Associate Scientist
- Job code: 1092, Grade: K
- Employment Duration: 3-year fixed term
The expected pay range for this position is $118,000 - $175,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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.
