Project Scientist

Position overview:

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a Directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, operated by Stanford University and a national user facility, seeks a Project Scientist to lead the development, deployment, and sustained support of the droplet-on-tape (DOT) sample delivery platform. The Project Scientist will advance DOT as a robust, user-ready capability for time-resolved X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy, including applications that use electrochemical, photochemical, and mixing-based control of biological and chemical samples. The work will also prepare DOT for the higher repetition rates and new experimental opportunities enabled by LCLS-II-HE.

The Project Scientist will have primary responsibility for DOT development and operational support. Responsibilities will include improving the reliability and reproducibility of the platform; developing sample handling, droplet generation, tape transport, synchronization, diagnostics, and control systems; integrating excitation and reaction-initiation approaches such as photoactivation, gas-liquid mixing, liquid-liquid mixing, and electrochemical control; documenting procedures; training operators and users; and supporting experiment preparation, commissioning, and execution. The position will coordinate closely with the Sample Environment and Delivery team and other LCLS technical groups to prototype and qualify DOT improvements for current operations and for future high-repetition-rate operation, where technically feasible.

DOT will be based primarily at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument. The Project Scientist will collaborate with internal staff, partner institutions, and external user groups to plan and execute DOT-enabled experiments, disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and translate experimental experience into sustained improvements of the DOT platform.

Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement describing relevant research and technical accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and the names of five references for future letters of recommendation. 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

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Applied Physics, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in microfluidics, mechatronics, precision instrumentation, or closely related experimental systems.

Hands-on experience developing or operating sample delivery systems for X-ray diffraction and/or X-ray spectroscopy.

Demonstrated ability to design, rapidly prototype, integrate, test, troubleshoot, and document complex experimental hardware and controls for reliable user operation.

Demonstrated record of scientific or technical productivity, including peer-reviewed publications or equivalent project outcomes.

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.

Experience working at X-ray free-electron laser or synchrotron radiation facilities and supporting user experiments.

Experience developing and operating droplet-based sample delivery systems, especially droplet-on-tape or related low-consumption approaches.

Experience with time-resolved serial crystallography and/or X-ray spectroscopy of biological or chemical systems.

Experience integrating optical, mixing, gas-delivery, or electrochemical reaction-initiation methods with sample delivery platforms.

Experience with experimental controls, automation, scripting, and data analysis (for example, Python and MATLAB).

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.

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

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