Research Associate - Microreactor Chip Sample Delivery

Job Description

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a DOE national user facility operated by Stanford University, seeks a Research Associate to lead development of segmented‑flow droplet microreactors for high‑throughput, time‑resolved X‑ray studies of transient chemical and biological processes. This project will enable new science in gas/liquid/solid catalysis, gas/liquid and liquid‑liquid mixing, and nucleation studies relevant to pharmaceuticals, energy storage materials, and greenhouse‑gas remediation.

The Research Associate will work closely with the Sample Environment and Delivery team to integrate droplet‑based microfluidic technologies into LCLS’s existing liquid‑jet delivery systems, ensuring compatibility with upcoming LCLS‑II‑HE operating modes. The role involves hands‑on device design and fabrication, benchtop characterization (high‑speed imaging, mixing/transport diagnostics), and experimental support at LCLS and SSRL. The position involves close collaboration with SLAC and Stanford teams for microfabrication, rapid prototyping, and systems integration, as well as documenting standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and experimental results.

This is a two‑year fixed‑term position. Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and names of three references with the application. Review of applications will begin immediately. Later applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.

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

• Design, fabricate, and iterate designs of segmented‑flow microreactor prototypes (PDMS, glass, commercial chips).
• Build and operate the microfluidic platform to characterize device performance: syringe/pressure pumps, controllers, valves, fittings, and tubing for multiphase flows.
• Characterize droplets and mixing with high‑speed imaging, fluorescence, and quantitative image analysis.
• Run offline reaction and transport experiments (gas‑liquid, liquid‑liquid, particle suspensions); collect and analyze kinetic/transport data.
• Maintain experimental records, SOPs, safety documentation, and inventory of consumables.
• Collaborate with microfabrication engineers and vendors for rapid prototyping and materials selection.
• Contribute to data reduction, figure generation, technical reports, and manuscripts.

Note:

The Research Associate role is a fixed‑term staff position. This is a 2‑year fixed‑term position with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

• Ph.D. in Engineering (biomedical, electrical, mechanical, etc.), Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with microfluidics, millifluidics, and microfabrication.
• Hands‑on experience with fluid handling hardware: syringe pumps, pressure controllers, fittings, and tubing.
• Ability to lead experiments independently.
• Ability to rapidly prototype and test new techniques.
• Experience with development of optical diagnostics (high‑speed imaging, basic fluorescence microscopy) and quantitative image analysis.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer‑reviewed publications.
• Strong experimental troubleshooting, record keeping, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel and participate in beamline experiments at SSRL and LCLS as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.

• Prior experience with experiments at X‑ray light sources (synchrotron or XFEL), or familiarity with X‑ray sample‑delivery constraints.
• Microfabrication skills: soft lithography (PDMS), glass etching, metal deposition, or chip assembly.
• Experience developing complex sample delivery systems, particularly supporting droplet‑based techniques as well as liquid jets.
• Experience working with multiphase flows, gas‑liquid microreactors, or solid suspensions in microchannels.
• Experience with vacuum or helium‑environment sample handling, and safe handling of hazardous…