LCLS Science Research and Development; SRD Division Leader

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an internationally preeminent science facility, operated by Stanford University at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on behalf of the Department of Energy, Office of Science. This facility provides world‑leading scientific capabilities to a global user community, covering a very broad research portfolio including the direction of energy and information transformation and transport in systems relevant to microelectronics, catalysis, and quantum information science;

understanding how atomist structure and dynamics influence disease and drug function; identifying design criteria for controlling density instabilities in inertial fusion energy materials; push the envelope of scientific discovery with an unprecedented X‑ray laser source.

This is a pivotal and rare time at LCLS to shape the scientific direction of the facility. By Fall of 2027 we will have completed the construction of an 8 GeV superconducting linear accelerator. This accelerator represents a multibillion‑dollar investment in high‑repetition‑rate X‑ray laser science and technology, making LCLS a world‑leading X‑ray source from both a peak and average brightness perspective in the wavelength range extending from 5 nm to 1 µm.

The SRD Division Leader will be essential to defining and delivering the scientific impact of this tremendous research opportunity. The successful candidate needs to have demonstrated insightful and forward‑looking science priority setting. Additionally, we will be targeting a candidate capable of excelling in scientific community outreach and leadership and setting the R&D priorities needed to drive the scientific impact enabled by the LCLS facility.

• Foster a highly collaborative, positive, respectful and inclusive culture in all aspects of our work.
• Ensure operational direction, scientific insight, and career development leadership to a group of ~100 research scientists. Oversee all aspects of hiring, performance management, and staff development.
• Lead SRD staff in identifying new programs (BES initiatives, and other agencies), and in cultivating new user communities and science areas where LCLS capabilities and expertise may have a transformative impact. Identify strategic scientific partners (SLAC, Stanford, nationally, internationally) and engage with them in driving future LCLS science.
• Plan, commission and exploit the identified developments, and establish appropriate mechanisms for oversight of optimized deployment, ongoing effectiveness and future improvement to meet the evolving LCLS needs.
• Ensure the SRD team has the appropriate staff, skills, knowledge and abilities to deliver its mission both now and in the future, consistent with financial and operational constraints.
• As part of the LCLS leadership team, and a senior member of SLAC, provide proactive strategic and operational solutions to deliver the wider LCLS/SLAC strategy.
• Other duties as assigned by LCLS/SLAC management.

This position is a posting at the Senior Scientist level. Where appropriate, consideration may be given to a tenured faculty appointment at the level of associate or full professor via a separate parallel assessment process. Appointment at the Senior Scientist level is a regular‑continuing position and requires demonstrated international research leadership in field of expertise.

• Ph.D. In a Scientific Or Engineering Field Strongly Related To LCLS Science, With At Least 10 Years Of Post‑Ph.D. Professional Experience Including
• Extensive body of research, development, or applied work that is internationally acknowledged to have defined major advancements in research.
• Substantial experience in delivering complex, multi‑year technical projects.
• Extensive experience leading and managing scientific and technical research groups.

• Define research frontiers and directions. Innovate, develop, and apply advanced technical principles, theories, concepts, and highly advanced technologies.
• Proven ability to mentor junior staff and peers, with a strong focus on career…