AssocSci-DropletDel, LCLS-IIHE

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, and a national user facility, seeks an Associate Staff Scientist to take a leading role in the development of sample delivery methods and systems, as well as in the application of electrochemical control techniques for studies of transition metal catalysts and redox-active systems. They will leverage current droplet based and liquid jet delivery methods, as well as develop new techniques to enable new scientific measurements and compatibility with LCLS-II-HE upgrades.

The Associate Staff Scientist will contribute to user support activities primarily at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument, where they will develop, optimize, and construct advanced sample delivery systems in-house. These systems will enable high-impact time-resolved crystallography and spectroscopy experiments. In parallel, the Associate Staff Scientist will lead efforts to replicate and improve current start of the art droplet delivery techniques as well as develop new excitation techniques to interface with the system, such as photoactivation, or fluid mixing such as gas-fluid and fluid-fluid.

The candidate will work with the Sample Environment and Delivery team on developments to enable compatibility with these techniques for current normal-conducting and will propose, prototype and lead future droplet-based delivery methods that are compatible superconducting high repetition rate XFEL upgrades on the order of 10s to 1000s of kHz, where possible.

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.

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

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Applied Physics, or related field and 0-2 years of Background in microfluidics and/or mechatronics.
• Hands‑on experience with X‑ray spectroscopy and/or X‑ray diffraction techniques.
• Ability to rapidly prototype and test new techniques and vet them for compatibility with X‑ray instruments
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer‑reviewed publications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

• Experience working at X‑ray free‑electron laser or synchrotron radiation facilities.
• Experience developing complex sample delivery systems, particularly supporting droplet‑based techniques.
• Experience with serial crystallography for biology and chemistry.
• Background in studies of redox‑active biological or chemical systems.
• Scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB).

• 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:
  Fl…