Junior Physical Science Research Associate (Post-Baccalaureate) - Free-electron laser physics

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a Junior Physical Science Research Associate within the Accelerator Directorate with a focus on the use of agentic artificial intelligence for advanced free-electron laser (FEL) physics applications. SLAC is one of the world¿s premier accelerator research laboratories, with cutting edge x-ray free-electron laser facilities. The candidate will work on developing agentic AI solutions for the optimization of advanced FEL configurations such as attosecond pulse generation and attosecond pump/probe setups.

Specific tasks include automatic summarization of experimental shifts and automatic exploration of archived data to assist in the control room operation.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To The Following

• Develop tools to assist operators in the setup of advanced FEL capabilities
• Develop automated tools for longitudinal phase-space classification.
• Advance applications of AI to free-electron laser operation.
  
  

Note: This is a two-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension contingent on project funding.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• Bachelor¿s degree in Physics or related field.
• Knowledge of basic computer science and physics concepts.
• General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of scientific principles to problem solve work.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  
  

Desired Skills

• Experience with DOE funded national lab research.
• Experience with user facility operations.
  
  

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 his or her 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:
• 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.
  
  

Classification Title: Physical Science Research Associate

Duration: Fixed Term

Job code: 4974

Job Grade: F

The expected pay range for this position is $29.30 to $35.61 per hour. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the hourly wage 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. At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.