Research Associate - LCLS Material Sciences

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a Research Associate to interface between the Material Science Department (MAT) of the LCLS Science, Research and Development (SRD) division of LCLS and the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES) at SLAC, to investigate fluctuations and emergent behavior in quantum materials. A key objective of this position is to connect ultrafast XFEL measurements with complementary studies at upgraded synchrotron sources (NSLS-II, ALS, APS), enabling access to a broad dynamic range and facilitating the development of new coherent scattering methodologies across facilities. This synergy will also be critical to expanding and strengthening the activities of MAT and its user community. This will include the design and commissioning of new experimental approaches, helping to champion qRIXS improvement projects, the instrument operational robustness plans, participation in beam-time experiments at LCLS and partner facilities, analysis of large datasets, and dissemination of results through proposals and publications.

Your Specific Responsibilities Include

• Leading research efforts on the study of non-equilibrium magnetic materials.
• Developing and using algorithms to implement Bayesian inference applied to X-ray Photon Fluctuation Spectroscopy (XPFS) experiments.
• Using an experimental physics background, in particular with soft x-ray, or ultrafast x-ray measurements at X-FELs.
• Designing algorithms to support simulations and measurements, especially using machine-learning.
• Providing advanced analysis for time-resolved resonant inelastic x-ray scattering measurements.
• Building collaboration between LCLS and other institutes for exploring non-equilibrium dynamics and theory, probed by time-resolved coherent x-ray scattering.
• Carrying out synchrotron or X-FEL experiments, such as at the NSLS-II at Brookhaven, or the Swiss-FEL at PSI.
  
  

Please note this is a 6-month fixed term position with the possibility of extension contingent on project funding.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• PhD degree in physics, mathematics, materials sciences, chemistry, or related fields.
• Research background in the study of material systems, preferably in quantum materials.
• A background in ultra-fast or coherent x-rays and understanding of scientific principles.
• Understanding of XPFS and having some familiarity with coherent resonant x-ray scattering methods.
• Comprehensive understanding and expertise in computational techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team 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 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: 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.
  
  

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Classification Title: Research Associate-Experimental

Grade: G

Job code: 0127

Duration: Fixed Term (6 months)

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 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. At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.