Job Information
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Associate Scientist - SSRL Chemistry and Catalysis Division in Menlo Park, California
Associate Scientist - SSRL Chemistry and Catalysis Division
Job ID
6191
Location
SLAC - Menlo Park, CA
Full-Time
Temporary
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 an Associate Scientist to join its Chemistry and Catalysis Division. The successful candidate will focus on the design, development, deployment, streamlined operation and scientific user support of high-energy-resolution hard x-ray spectroscopy methodologies at SSRL. In addition, the candidate will strengthen SSRL¿s chemistry and catalysis program through in-house research and the active expansion of the SSRL user community.
A key responsibility will be leading the design and commissioning of robotic arms-based multi-crystal Rowland spectrometers, ensuring their adoption and routine operation across selected hard x-ray spectroscopy beamlines at SSRL. This initiative aims to expand the availability of SSRL¿s pioneering high-energy-resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD) capabilities.
The scientist will also take a key responsibility in the SSRL X-ray Raman user and science program, which includes the operation, optimization, and support of the multi-crystal high-solid-angle low- and high-momentum transfer X-ray Raman spectrometers. A critical focus will be designing and implementing demanding sample environments that meet the stringent requirements of such experiments. Additionally, the scientist will extend X-ray Raman spectroscopy into the 100-ps time-resolved domain, leveraging the ultrafast laser capabilities available at the SSRL advanced spectroscopy end station to push the boundaries of scientific exploration in this field.
The selected candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff. The developments and research activities will focus on chemistry, catalysis, energy science, and broader sustainability applications, supporting SSRL¿s scientific direction in alignment with the DOE research priorities.
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:
Work as part of the Chemistry and Catalysis Division to drive and participate in research across chemistry, catalysis, and energy science.
Lead the design, development, commissioning and operation of robotic arms-based Rowland circle spectrometers for hard x-ray spectroscopy and support the associated user program, working with engineering and technical staff.
Provide guidance to scientific users on designing optimized experiments, data collection approaches, and performing data analysis.
Develop software tools to facilitate the analysis and interpretation of advanced X-ray Raman data, making the technique more accessible to novice experimentalists.
Work occasional evenings and weekends as part of the on-call user support program.
Develop a robust training and dissemination program to lower the barrier to entry for X-ray Raman spectroscopy users.
Routinely develop, execute, and lead research projects with novice spectroscopy researchers.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering, with a strong focus on synchrotron-based spectroscopy techniques.
At least 2 years of post-degree experience in developing or applying high-resolution X-ray spectrometers at synchrotron radiation facilities
Direct experience and expertise in X-ray Raman spectroscopy, demonstrated through multiple publications and experimental work.
Proven ability to simulate X-ray absorption and q-dependent X-ray Raman spectroscopy data using supercomputing resources (e.g., OCEAN code).
Proficiency in data analysis and programming tools (e.g., Python, Matlab).
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: Associate Scientist
Grade: K, Job Code: 1092
Duration: 3-Year, Regular 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.