Associate Staff Scientist – MFX Instrument Scientist

Job Description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) is one of the world’s premier research laboratories, providing internationally leading capabilities through its accelerator based light sources and scientific 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 with expertise in structural biology, scientific computing, data science, scientific outreach, and user facility operations. The successful candidate will join the LCLS Biological Sciences Department within the Science Research and Development Division and contribute to the operation, scientific advancement, and development of the biology user program.

The Associate Staff Scientist will play a leading role in supporting user science activities primarily at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument and its LCLS II upgrade, MFX HE. The position combines user support, scientific software development, computational methods, data science, scientific outreach, community engagement, and collaborative research. Working closely with scientists, engineers, software developers, and users, the candidate will develop innovative approaches that improve the robustness, reliability, efficiency, data quality, scientific productivity, and the overall user experience.

A major focus of the position will be the development and deployment of advanced computational tools and workflows for structural biology experiments, including automated data processing, real time experiment feedback, data visualization, artificial intelligence enabled analysis, and data driven experimental strategies. The successful candidate will help shape the next generation of structural biology capabilities at LCLS by integrating advances in computation, automation, machine learning, and data science into beamline operations and user workflows. The position offers the opportunity to serve as a computational beamline scientist, bridging scientific software development, experimental operations, and biological discovery.

The position also includes a significant leadership role in community engagement and scientific outreach. The successful candidate will work closely with users and collaborators to lower barriers to access, improve user readiness, and foster a vibrant and engaged scientific community around MFX and future LCLS biological sciences capabilities. This role involves close collaboration with internal staff and external user groups, supporting experiment planning, execution, and analysis while driving technical innovation that enhances LCLS capabilities. Dissemination of scientific results through peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, workshops, invited talks, and community engagement activities is expected. The work will be performed as part of a highly collaborative team of scientists at SLAC and partner institutions.

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 Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Chemistry, 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.


• 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.


• Experience working at X-ray free-electron laser or synchrotron radiation facilities.


• 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).


• 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:


• 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, and Self-Sufficient

Summary

RESPONSIBILITIES

An entry-level position for a PhD graduate in a scientist position

or

A level for continuing career professional in an engineering position with fully functioning and independent skillset.

Scope Of Impact

Executes well-defined priorities or specific programmatic objectives.

Knowledge And Expertise

Demonstrated expertise in a specific scientific or technical area and ability to apply this expertise to complete program or project objectives.

Applies general principles, theories, and concepts, and contributes to the development of advancements.

Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate.

Program Development

Contributes to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects and technical products to accomplish the laboratory’s goals.

Minimum Education And Experience Required

PhD in applicable scientific discipline and 0-2 years of relevant experience

About Us

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery. Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing and the development of next-generation accelerators.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science . The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

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 their job.

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.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.