Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Accelerator Physics

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.

• Contribute to the Accelerator Physics Group ongoing effort to maintain and improve the performance of the SPEAR3 storage ring and its injector.
• Participate in accelerator physics measurements and experiments during our regularly scheduled machine development periods.
• Contribute to 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.

This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3 to 5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.

Applicants must hold a PhD degree or provide formal confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three 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. Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require on-site work.

• A PhD in accelerator physics or related field or equivalent experience with minimum 2 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.
• Aptitude 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.

• 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.
• 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, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships:
  Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

• Consistent…