Beam Line Engineer - x-ray absorption spectroscopy

Position Overview

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of SLAC, and a national research facility for scientific applications using synchrotron radiation at Stanford University is seeking a Beam Line Engineer with strong methodological, scientific and technical skills for its x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) team. The XAS facilities include a number of beam lines that enable research in areas such as chemistry, catalysis, biology, medical, environmental, and materials sciences, together covering a range from 2-35 keV.

Each beam line is tailored to specific techniques and sciences, spanning a specific x-ray energy range, probing atomic and electronic structure and function of matter over different time scales, necessitating a highly varied approach to instrumentation, sample environment, data acquisition, and data analysis. The beam line facilities are made available to a national and international scientific user community, with SSRL staff providing scientific and technical support in their use.

• Work as part of the x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) team to provide specialized technical and methodological support for beam line developments and for scientific users.
• Optimize beam line optics and experimental setups for specific experimental conditions.
• Independently provide training and experiment support on the use of these beam lines, including instrumentation and software, for scientific users.
• Provide guidance to scientific users in optimizing data collection during experiments.
• Contribute to the definition, design, construction and commissioning of in‑hutch instrumentation, for example in‑hutch optics systems; sample delivery and sample cells/environments ranging from cryogenic to high temperatures, and/or under electrochemical, gaseous, chemical control.
• Implement, characterize, operate and enhance state‑of‑the‑art facilities, such as x‑ray optics, electro mechanical systems, cryogenic systems, x‑ray detectors, data acquisition or data analysis software.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends as part of the on‑call user support program.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, biochemistry, biophysics, mechanical/electrical engineering or related field and 4 or more years of relevant experience such as in development of synchrotron radiation optics, beam line instrumentation or X‑ray detectors.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Demonstrated strong ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists, technical staff and user groups; to work well in a team; as well as ability to take individual independent initiative, all in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.

• Master's or PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, biochemistry, biophysics, mechanical/electrical engineering or related field.
• Direct experience and knowledge of synchrotron hard x‑ray absorption spectroscopy beam lines.
• Experience in instrumentation development and hard x‑ray beam line support at a synchrotron radiation facility.
• Experience in software development for instrumentation control, data acquisition and data analysis, preferably in C/C++, C# or Python. Experience with EPICS‑based instrumentation control and readout.
• Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably Solid Edge.

• Effectively decide:
  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,…