Associate Staff Scientist

SLAC Job Postings
Position Overview
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) is one of the world's premier research laboratories, providing an internationally leading capability in the form of its accelerator based light sources and its science programs. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a directorate of SLAC and the world's first hard x-ray free electron laser, seeks an Associate Staff Scientist to take a leading role in the support of user operations in the area of biology. The candidate will join LCLS Biological Sciences Department. Members of the Biological Sciences Department are responsible for developing new instrumentation and methods for experiments at LCLS investigating structure, function, and structural dynamics as well as performing innovative ultrafast experiments using x-ray and electron beams from LCLS, including aspects of sample environment and delivery.

The Associate Staff Scientist will contribute to user support activities primarily at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument and it's LCLS-II upgrade, MFX-HE, where they will develop new techniques to enable new scientific measurements and compatibility with LCLS-II-HE upgrades. 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 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 Biology, Biochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Applied Physics, or related field.
• Experience in structural biology research at x-ray sources.
• 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
• 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-
• 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: Associate Staff Scientist
• Job code: 1092, Grade: K
• Employment Duration: 3-year fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $145,411 - $173,254 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.