Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Accelerator Physics

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 multi-disciplinary experiments.

We are seeking an Accelerator Physicist to join the Accelerator Physics Group within the SSRL Accelerator Division. This group’s responsibilities include:

• 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 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. We are investigating which technologies to push to enhance performance of a future light source beyond those currently in operation or construction.

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

• A PhD in accelerator physics or related field, or equivalent experience with a minimum of 2 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.
• Aptitude 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.

• 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 his or her job.

• 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 and relevant policies.
• Subject to and expected to…