Staff Scientist - Accelerator Physics; SLAC​/SSRL

Position Overview

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's SPEAR3 is one of the four U.S. Department of Energy synchrotron light sources – electron storage rings dedicated to producing brilliant X‑ray beams. SPEAR3 serves Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a national user facility with a long history of utilizing synchrotron radiation for multidisciplinary experiments.

• Physics support for the maintenance and operation of the SSRL accelerator complex, which includes an RF electron gun, 120‑MeV linear accelerator, a 10‑Hz cycling booster synchrotron to accelerate electrons from 120 MeV to 3 GeV, and the main SPEAR3 storage ring that emits x‑ray synchrotron radiation from bend magnets, wigglers and undulators.
• Propose and help design, manage, and execute upgrades of the existing SSRL accelerators to improve their performance and/or reliability.
• Design a next‑generation storage ring as a future source to serve the SSRL photon science community.

This is an exciting time for the SSRL accelerator team. The Accelerator Physics Group is exploring options for a next‑generation light source for SSRL, investigating which technologies can push performance beyond currently operating or under‑construction sources. We are working closely with SSRL photon scientists to establish a strong scientific case for a new SSRL light source.

• Contribute to the Accelerator Physics Group’s ongoing effort to maintain and improve the performance of the SPEAR3 storage ring and its injector.
• Propose and pursue new directions for improving SSRL accelerator performance.
• Participate in accelerator physics measurements and experiments during our regularly scheduled machine‑development periods.
• Take a leading role in design studies for a future next‑generation light source for SSRL. This work will include simulations and optimization of linear and nonlinear storage‑ring dynamics.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

Note:

The Staff Scientist level is a regular‑continuing position and requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievements. 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.

• A PhD in accelerator physics or a related field, or equivalent experience with minimum four (4) years of relevant experience in accelerator and storage‑ring physics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of storage‑ring physics including linear and nonlinear beam optics and lattice design.
• Hands‑on accelerator expertise, including the ability to quickly diagnose problems that develop with the accelerators during operations.
• Capability of innovative and independent research.
• Demonstrated expertise with computer‑modeling codes as well as strong programming skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to clearly document scientific research and projects.

• Dependability:
  Can be relied upon 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, maintaining an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication:
  Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, and presented messages.
• Relationships:
  Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
• 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.

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, SLAC will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her…