Research Associate

SLAC Job Postings
Position Overview
The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and a national user facility, seeks a Research Associate with strong background in the operando characterization of catalysts using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The candidate will develop enhanced capabilities for operando XAS experiments so they are easier to plan, execute, and analyze during a beamtime. This will involve: (i) Designing and fabricating new reactors for a broader range of conditions and configurations. (ii) Aid in the continuous development of capabilities in the Python code CatXAS. (iii) Develop user friendly code for fast analysis of GC or MS data to quickly give users kinetic information from their experiments.(iv) Develop user friendly reactor simulation code to model the suite of CO-ACCESS reactors (accounting for kinetics, and heat/mass transfer). (v) Develop control schemes for, and analyze, operando modulation excitation experiments. (vi) Aid in the development of simultaneous and complementary spectroscopic capabilities: e.g. XAS/XRD, XAS/IR.

*Note*
: The Research Associate role is a fixed term staff position. This is a 2-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding. Research Associates are engaged with the design, support, operation and/or scientific exploitation of the major programs of the laboratory, under the guidance of their faculty or Senior Scientific Staff / Distinguished Staff Scientist supervisor. They are expected to work with a high degree of independence on one or more specific tasks in support of the research program, frequently interacting with the laboratory¿s scientific community.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials sciences, chemical engineering, or related fields.
• Experience with all aspects of synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy is a must, including demonstrated ability in data analysis and modeling of EXAFS data using Athena/Artemis.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• A solid background in materials/catalyst characterization with an emphasis on kinetics.
• Willingness to learn and bridge knowledge/experience gaps.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population; good interpersonal skills are essential.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Applicants will be evaluated on research experience and accomplishments in the field of expertise.

Please Send a Cover Letter, a CV With a List Of Publications, Research Experience And Accomplishments, And Names Of Two References, To The Address Below

Simon R Bare, email:

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA. Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

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.

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,
• Classification Title: Research Associate Experimental
• Job code: 0127, Grade: G
• Employment Duration: 2 years fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 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.