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Research Associate (Ultrafast, coherent x-ray scattering)

Job ID

6511

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is looking for a passionate Research Associate to push the frontiers of ultrafast science. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of coherent x-ray scattering, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning.

With the upcoming LCLS-II-HE, a MHz hard x-ray free-electron laser, we¿ll explore atomic-scale dynamics in disordered systems with unprecedented detail. The successful candidate will join a team of scientists developing automated workflows and advanced analysis tools to handle terabyte-per-second data rates from high-repetition-rate experiments.

A central responsibility will be to bridge the gap between MD simulations and experimental observables in coherent x-ray scattering, leveraging state-of-the-art ML techniques to enable real-time insight extraction.

Your impact:

+ Connect cutting-edge MD simulations in disordered systems with experimental x-ray observables.

+ Develop ML approaches for real-time analysis of coherent x-ray scattering measurements

+ Contribute to first-of-their-kind discoveries in disorder and their dynamics.

**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.

Applicants must provide evidence of either a recently completed PhD degree or confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a statement of research area including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of at least three references from whom letters of recommendation will form part of the application.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

+ Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, materials science, or a related field (recently completed or confirmed prior to starting).

+ Strong research background in large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, familiar with calculating x-ray observables including the structure factor, dynamic structure factor and intermediate scattering function.

+ Proficiency in C++, Python, and LAMMPS.

+ Proficiency in both CPU/GPU programming.

+ Effective written and verbal communication skills.

+ Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

+ Prior experience with x-ray techniques (desirable but not required).

+ Experience with advance ML methods like diffusion models

Candidates will provide evidence of either a recently completed PhD degree in the area of physics, mathematics, materials science, or a related field, and confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position.

**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, team 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: 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.

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+ **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._

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.