Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Resonant X-ray Scattering

** Job Description*
* *
* Position Overview:

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* The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is seeking an Associate Staff Scientist with a strong experimental background in quantum materials research, particularly with expertise in resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSXS), to join the Soft X-ray Group of the Materials Sciences Division. The successful candidate will focus on the development, operation, scientific user support, and in-house research program of the RSXS endstation and related X-ray capabilities at SSRL.

SSRL's capabilities at BL13 provide world-leading resonant soft X-ray scattering techniques, enabling spatially and spectroscopically resolved studies of correlated electronic phenomena through energy- and momentum-sensitive measurements. These capabilities allow detailed investigations of charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom in quantum materials. In this role, you will lead efforts to operate, maintain, and further develop the RSXS endstation at BL13.

To fully leverage the RSXS capabilities at BL13, you will design and implement advanced sample environments in ultrahigh vacuum, including high magnetic fields, strain, and microwave excitation. These developments will enable studies of quantum materials under externally controlled conditions and expand the scientific scope of BL13 beyond traditional bulk single crystals to include thin films, two-dimensional materials, and complex heterostructures.

The successful candidate will pursue quantum materials research with a strong emphasis on RSXS, and will join  the Soft X-ray Group , which leads research programs using other synchrotron-based tools. This position offers opportunities for innovative research and leading publications. An essential aspect of this role is to support and expand the RSXS user community at SSRL by working closely with users to design optimized experiments and develop new capabilities.

The candidate will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technical staff in support of SSRL's scientific mission and DOE research priorities.

** You*
* ** r specific responsibilities include:*
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** Conduct and support quantum materials research within the Soft X-ray Group, leveraging the RSXS capabilities at SSRL.*
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** Lead the development, optimization, and routine operation of the RSXS beamline and endstation in collaboration with scientific, engineering, and technical staff.*
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** Design and implement specialized sample environments for RSXS measurements.*
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** Develop data analysis tools, workflows, and software pipelines to efficiently process and interpret scattering data.*
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** Work closely with users to design optimized RSXS experiments and support their research programs.*
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** Grow and support the RSXS user community at SSRL by engaging new research groups and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.*
* Note:

This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3 to 5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.

Applicants must hold a PhD degree or provide formal confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references for future letters of recommendation.

_SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA._   _Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require on-site work._

** To be successful in this position, you will bring:*
* +  Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, or related discipline, and at least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.

+ Demonstrated research experience in quantum materials supported by publications and experimental achievements.

+ Hands-on experience and expertise with soft X-ray synchrotron-based RSXS.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills.

+ Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

** 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…