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Research Associate - Experimental X-ray Spectroscopy

Job ID

6607

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The Chemistry and Catalysis Division at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, invites applications for a Research Associate position focused on laser and electric field-driven transformations of functional materials. This position combines advanced material design, synthesis and characterization methods, instrumentation development, time-resolved hard X-ray spectroscopy and scattering studies and integration of these developments into the SSRL User Program.

The successful candidate will develop and apply experimental techniques to collect, analyze and interpret laser- and electric field-driven time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and scattering data of functional materials and device architectures relevant for next-generation microelectronics applications. A key aspect of this role will be the implementation and application of electrical pump X-ray probe methodologies to explore field-driven switching pathways with combined sensitivity to changes in atomic structure and electrical transport underlying device functionality.

The position will provide access to state-of-the-art experimental and computational resources at SLAC and offer a unique opportunity to contribute to materials science and microelectronics efforts while exploring collaboration and synergies among time-resolved science facilities within the lab (SSRL, MeV-UED, LCLS-II-HE).

**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.

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

Your specific responsibilities include:

+ Devising and developing technologically relevant materials and device architectures for time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and scattering studies of electric field-driven switching mechanisms occurring on the pico- to nanosecond timescales.

+ Integrating electrical pump capabilities into existing high-repetition rate optical pump X-ray probe instrumentation and adopting data acquisition schemes to study electric-field driven material transformations with combined atomic structure and electrical transport sensitivity.

+ Conducting time-resolved studies including laser-/electrical pump hard X-ray spectroscopy & scattering probe measurements, data analysis and interpretation.

+ Develop feedback loops to accelerate materials discovery.

+ Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present results at major scientific meetings.

+ Collaborate within the ultrafast x-ray science, materials science and microelectronics communities at SLAC to build sustainable research efforts on electric field-driven material transformations.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

+ Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field.

+ Strong expertise in design, synthesis, characterization and evaluation of functional materials and heterostructures for next-generation technologies.

+ Experience in synchrotron-based advanced hard X-ray spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS, HERFD, XES, RIXS) and scattering approaches for materials characterization.

+ Working knowledge of high-repetition rate synchrotron-based picosecond time-resolved X-ray techniques, including pump-probe synchronization and data acquisition strategies.

+ Publication record in advanced materials characterization

In addition, preferred requirements include:

+ Experience with high-power, high-repetition rate laser systems, wavelength conversion, and optical alignment procedures.

+ Knowledge of materials relevant for optical and electrical switching applications, including for instance correlated oxides, ferroelectric, magnetic, spin-crossover, or low-dimensional materials.

+ Ability to analyze and interpret steady-state and time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy data using first-principles methods, dedicated analysis software and fitting routines (e.g. DFT, FEFF).

+ Strong computational skills (Python, C++, or MATLAB) for data handling and workflow automation.

+ Experience in devising beamtime proposals for large-scale facilities (XFELs, synchrotrons).

+ Familiarity with time-resolved x-ray instrumentation, including avalanche photodiodes, area detectors, oscilloscopes, analog-to-digital conversion and timing electronics.

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.

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 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://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

+ Duration: 2-year fixed term

_The expected pay range for this position $70,000 - $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage 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._

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.