Staff Scientist - Accelerator Physics; SLAC/SSRL
Listed on 2026-08-26
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Physics -
Engineering
Research Scientist, Electrical Engineering, Physics
Staff Scientist
- Accelerator Physics (SLAC/SSRL)
Job Overview
Position overview:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's SPEAR3 is one of the four US Department of Energy synchrotron light sources - electron storage rings dedicated to producing brilliant X-ray beams. SPEAR3 serves Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a national user facility with a long history of utilizing synchrotron radiation for multi-disciplinary experiments.
We are seeking an Accelerator Physicist to join our Accelerator Physics Group within the SSRL Accelerator Division. This group's responsibilities include:
- Physics support for the maintenance and operation of the SSRL accelerator complex, which includes an RF electron gun, 120-MeV linear accelerator, a 10-Hz cycling booster synchrotron to accelerate electrons from 120 MeV to 3 GeV, and the main SPEAR3 storage ring that emits x-ray synchrotron radiation from bend magnets, wigglers and undulators.
- Propose and help design, manage, and execute upgrades of the existing SSRL accelerators to improve their performance and/or reliability.
- Design a next generation storage ring as a future source to serve the SSRL photon science community.
This is an exciting time for the SSRL accelerator team. The Accelerator Physics Group is exploring options for a next generation light source for SSRL. We are investigating which technologies to push to enhance performance of a future light source beyond sources currently in operation or construction. We are working closely with SSRL photon scientists to establish a strong scientific case for a new SSRL light source.
Your specific responsibilities include:
- Contribute to the Accelerator Physics Group ongoing effort to maintain and improve the performance of the SPEAR3 storage ring and its injector.
- Propose and pursue new directions for improving performance of SSRL accelerator performance.
- Participate in accelerator physics measurements and experiments during our regularly scheduled machine development periods.
- Take a leading role in design studies for a future next generation light source for SSRL. This work will include simulations and optimization of linear and nonlinear storage ring dynamics.
- Other duties may also be assigned.
Note:
The Staff Scientist level is a regular-continuing position and requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievements. Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
- A PhD in accelerator physics or related field or equivalent experience with minimum 4 years of relevant experience in accelerator and storage ring physics.
- Comprehensive knowledge of storage ring physics including linear and nonlinear beam optics and lattice design.
- Hands-on accelerator expertise, including the ability to quickly diagnose problems that develop with the accelerators during operations.
- Capability of innovative and independent research.
- Demonstrated expertise with computer modeling codes as well as strong programming skills.
- Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to clearly document scientific research and projects.
- Dependability:
Can be relied upon 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, maintain an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes. - Communication:
Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages. - Relationships:
Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals. - 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.
Physical requirements and
Working conditions:
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, SLAC will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Work standards:
- Interpersonal Skills
:
Demonstrates the ability to work well with internal and external stakeholders and clients. - Promote Culture of Safety
:
Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./ - Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and…
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