Lead Staff Scientist - LCLS, Laser Science

SLAC Job Postings

All potential applicants are encouraged to scroll through and read the complete job description before applying.

Position Overview :

We are seeking a highly capable and talented group leader to join the Laser Science Department within the Science and R&D division of LCLS, a science directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

The position involves leading a team of laser scientists focused on the development and application of ultrafast laser systems for groundbreaking scientific research at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the world's first hard X-ray free electron laser (XFEL).

This position offers the opportunity to : carry responsibility for the implementation of advanced laser capabilities to enhance LCLS-based X-ray operations;

to direct and undertake R&D projects to maximize the scientific opportunities enabled by LCLS facilities; and to conduct independent scientific research.

LCLS recently turned on LCLS-II, a new, high repetition rate XFEL that will enable repetition rates up to 1MHz, enabling the study of ultrafast dynamics down to atomic spatial and attosecond time scales with unprecedented detail.

Ultrafast lasers are an important part of the capabilities at LCLS, with the transition to LCLS-II requiring the development and operation of advanced laser systems at high-average and high-peak power.

This includes novel laser sources for pump-probe experiments in fields such as AMO physics or chemistry, and laser sources for excitation of photocathodes that underpin our accelerator facilities.

This is an opportunity to participate in the development of unique experimental instrumentation technologies, and be part of a vibrant team in one of the most exciting times of the facility.

It is expected that the candidate will pursue these opportunities while developing a collaborative and strong user support framework for optimal use of the facility as a whole.

The candidate is expected to engage in scientific research, and to lead new scientific directions.

Specific Responsibilities (including but not limited to) :

• Lead the expansion of scientific and technical capabilities of LCLS to keep it at the forefront of ultrafast science, through the development of novel laser sources and capabilities in the UV-visible spectral range
• Oversee and manage the day-to-day activities of a group of laser scientists within the Laser Science Department of the Science and R&D Division of LCLS
• Deploy resources to execute laser research and development, support facility improvements, and execute scientific experiments
• Collaborate with other SRD scientists and personnel across LCLS and other SLAC directorates
• Participate in the planning and performing of experiments using laser infrastructure and LCLS instruments
• Disseminate research results through appropriate channels, including peer reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings

Note : The Lead Staff Scientist level is a regular-continuing position. Applicants will be evaluated on research experience and accomplishments in their field of expertise.

Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including a brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

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

What we expect you to bring :

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Laser Physics, or related fields, and at least 8 years of postdoctoral experience in conducting research in ultrafast laser science
• Demonstrated leadership of personnel in the area of ultrafast laser science, through supervision or mentorship of students, postdocs, staff scientists or equivalent staff
• Experience developing ultrafast laser sources and associated wavelength extension devices and diagnostics, particularly the generation of laser pulses in the visible and ultraviolet
• Strong analytical and computational skills, and experience with time-resolved methods
• Research record as evidenced by a publication record commensurate with level of work experience
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments
• 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

In addition, preferred qualifications include :

• Experience with high average and high peak power laser sources
• Experience with ultrafast nonlinear processes (e.g. nonlinear pulse compression, sum-frequency generation, four-wave mixing, resonant dispersive wave generation, optical parametric amplification etc.)
• Experience with temporal and / or spatial shaping of laser pulses through phase and / or amplitude control
• Experience in laser pulse characterization
• Experience with developing and delivering lasers for accelerator photocathodes

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

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 :

• Classification : Lead Scientist
• Grade : M, Job Code : 1094
• Duration : Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $152,000 - $244,000 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.

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