"Alerted.org

Associate Scientist - Photoinjectors

Job ID

6566

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

We are seeking a staff scientist to join the Laser Science Department within the Science, Research and Development (SRD) division of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the world's first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL). This position will involve the development and application of high average power laser systems that are a crucial element in enabling transformative science at the LCLS light source. This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant team pushing the boundaries of ultrafast laser science both at the LCLS and at laser-based laboratory facilities at the Arrillaga Science Center.

The LCLS is currently undergoing a major facility upgrade (LCLS-II-HE) that will enable the study of ultrafast dynamics down to atomic spatial- and attosecond timescales with unprecedented detail. Ultrafast lasers are an important part of the capabilities at the LCLS, with the transition to LCLS-II-HE requiring the development and operation of new advanced laser systems at high-average and high-peak power. Responsibilities for this staff scientist position include the research and development, testing, facility integration, and support of advanced laser sources for photoinjectors and experiments at the LCLS(-II-HE), in addition to the development of unique experimental instrumentation technologies in support of our expanding scientific reach.

**Note** : This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed term position for a recent graduate or post-doctoral fellow and is 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 must provide evidence of a PhD. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a statement of research area including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, and a list of publications. Supplying letters of recommendation or names to contact for reference with the application is useful but not required.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

Specific Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

+ Support the planning, commissioning, and maintenance of high-power ultrafast laser systems at the LCLS(-II-HE) photoinjectors, FEL end-stations, and ASC laser laboratories.

+ Propose and participate in projects to improve the technical capability and operational efficiency of the LCLS laser program and the LCLS-II-HE accelerator systems.

+ Implement auxiliary optical systems and diagnostics to meet the demanding requirements of the LCLS(-II-HE) scientific program, including spatial and temporal pulse characterization, beam shaping and manipulation systems, and nonlinear optical schemes such as spectral broadening and post-compression, harmonic conversion, and optical parametric amplification.

+ Collaborate with other scientists and personnel within the LCLS Directorate and the Accelerator Directorate in support of furthering R&D and operations.

+ Participate in the planning and execution of user and in-house experiments using LCLS instruments and laser infrastructure.

+ Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.

What we expect you to bring:

+ Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Laser Physics, or related fields, including 2 years of experience in conducting research with high-power (10s-100s of Watts) femtosecond laser sources and their application to:

+ accelerator and FEL development

+ temporal shaping and characterization

+ performing and executing experiments at a large-scale scientific user facility

+ Research record as evidenced by a publication record commensurate with level of work experience.

+ Planning and organizational skills to multi-task, complete assignments, and provide effective oversight for operational issues.

+ Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.

+ Ability to carry out independent research, collaborate closely with colleagues conducting experimental research, and participate in the writing of scientific proposals to fund research.

+ Understanding of a broad range of accelerator hardware and operations, especially photoinjectors and their interfaces

+ Excellent data processing and analysis skills.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

+ Experience with ultrafast nonlinear processes (e.g. harmonic generation, sum-frequency generation etc.) at high average power

+ Experience in operating laser pulse characterization devices

+ Experience with industrial control systems, EPICS preferred

+ Experience with high-level programming of data acquisition and analysis in MATLAB and/or Python

+ Knowledge of key technical systems required for injector operation such as ultra-high vacuum, photocathodes, and low-level + pulsed, high-power RF

+ Strong analytical and computational skills, and experience with time-resolved methods

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 will require onsite work.

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://wwwgroup.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf

+ Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable Stanford 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

----------------------------------------

+ Classification Title: Associate 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.

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.