Lead Scientist - SSRL HAXPES Beamline

** Job Description*
* *
* Position Overview:

*
* The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is developing a state-of-the-art Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy / Photoemission Electron Microscopy (HAXPES/PEEM) beamline with a strong focus on probing electronic and chemical states in buried layers of functional devices, particularly for microelectronics applications. We seek an outstanding Lead Scientist to play a leading scientific and technical role in the design, construction, commissioning of this new beamline, and - once in operation - in scientific program development and user support.

The successful candidate will join the Materials Science Division and become an integral member of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment that combines staff-led scientific programs with close engagement and collaboration with the SSRL user community. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape a flagship SSRL beamline while advancing impactful research in microelectronics, semiconductor materials, quantum information science, and related fields.

** You*
* ** r specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:*
* Beamline and Endstation Development

+ Provide scientific leadership for and contribute to the conceptual design, technical development, construction, and commissioning of the HAXPES/PEEM beamline and associated end station. Promote and represent the scientific objectives of the beamline to internal and external stakeholders.

+ Define and translate scientific requirements into technical specifications for beamline optics, monochromators, electron analyzer, and sample environments optimized for hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

+ Work closely with the project manager, engineers, technical staff, and scientists to develop robust, high-performance instrumentation.

+ Oversee system integration, testing, commissioning, and performance optimization.

Scientific Research and Leadership

+ Develop and lead an independent and competitive research program using HAXPES/PEEM, aligned with the mission of the SSRL Materials Science Division.

+ Conduct frontier research in areas such as microelectronics, semiconductor devices, thin films, heterostructures, and buried interfaces.

+ Lead and participate in collaborative research projects involving SSRL staff, academic users, industrial partners, and other national laboratories.

+ Publish high-impact scientific results and present research at conferences and workshops.

User Program Development and Collaboration

+ Play a central role in establishing and growing the HAXPES/PEEM user program at SSRL.

+ Engage with the user community to identify emerging scientific opportunities and guide the evolution of beamline capabilities.

+ Support users throughout the experimental lifecycle, including experimental design, beamtime execution, and data analysis.

+ Develop and maintain comprehensive user training and outreach activities, including workshops, tutorials, and documentation.

Operations, Service, and Division Engagement

+ Manage routine beamline operations, end station maintenance, and continuous performance improvement.

+ Ensure safe operation of the beamline in accordance with SLAC and DOE requirements.

+ Contribute to division-wide scientific initiatives, mentoring, outreach, and strategic planning.

** Note** :
Appointment at the Lead Scientist level is a regular-continuing position and requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievements, with approval by the Directorate Appointment and Promotion Committee. Applicants should include a cover letter, a research statement (including a summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, a publication list, and the names of five 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.

** To be successful in this position, you will bring:*
* + Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, or related discipline, with a minimum of 8 years of post-PhD research experience.

+ Demonstrated research excellence in materials science, supported by publications and experimental achievements.

+ Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with HAXPES and/or PEEM techniques.

+ Demonstrated competence in developing, operating, and maintaining complex experimental systems at a synchrotron radiation facility.

+

Experience with facility operations and user support.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills.

+ Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

** In addition, preferred qualifications include:*
* + Research experience in microelectronics or closely related fields.

+ Technical expertise in synchrotron beamline or end station development, including operando or in situ sample environments.

+ Proficiency in data analysis, scripting, and scientific programming tools.

SLAC National Accelerator…