Scientific Software Developer​/Data Systems

Scientific Software Developer/Data Systems

Job

6755

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Regular

** SLAC Job Postings*
* *
* Position overview:

*
* Do you enjoy collaborating with groups of scientists and software developers to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instruments in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Experimental Data Systems (EDS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Computational Beamline Scientist to work on the deployment and optimization of complex computational workflows, and on their integration in day-to-day facility operations

LCLS is the world
¿ s premier X-ray free electron laser (XFEL), with unprecedented capabilities in photon energy range, peak power, and pulse lengths. LCLS instruments are specifically designed to utilize the exceptional beam characteristics of the X-ray laser to elucidate atomic structures and dynamics at the femtosecond timescale. The evolution of science and experimental techniques on these instruments, along with upgrades in the x-ray FEL source and optical lasers (LCLS-II and LCLS-II-HE), require significant modifications to user analysis workflows and the supporting software and hardware platforms.

The position will focus on the integration of new data processing algorithms and workflows, including AI and LLM-based ones, into current scientific operation procedures, with a specific focus on final user experience and effective interaction with the available EDS hardware and software platforms. A significant aspect of the role will be to interface with collaborators, users, and their teams/students to design and support efficient and straightforward usage patterns.

*
* Job Purpose:

*
* As a Software Developer in the LCLS Data Management Department, you will work within an interdisciplinary team of software developers, scientists, and engineers. Responsibilities include adapting and optimizing codes for beamline deployment and user interaction, including designing user interfaces and discovering and implementing efficient usage patterns and practices. The successful candidate should be comfortable in designing and writing efficient and documented code in the Python programming language.

Knowledge of the C/C++ programming language is preferred but not required. The candidate should in addition have operational and programming experience with machine learning algorithms and frameworks for science, and operational knowledge of LLM models. The candidate should ideally also have experience with scientific facility operation procedures and work patterns. Proven experience in collaborative coding and scientific programming is required.

** Your specific responsibilities include** :

+ Analyze, develop, implement, modify, and maintain algorithms and pipelines to analyze scientific data generated by LCLS.

+ Develop, optimize, and maintain data analysis workflows and optimize them for their use in day-to-day facility operations.

+ Interface with external collaborators and users and provide technical support to facilitate their use of LCLS software and hardware resources.

+ Support the development of new machine learning data analysis approaches with explicit focus on usability by beamline scientists and scientific users.

+ Support users of the scientific instruments in running self-developed data analysis software within the LCLS software framework, consulting with external software developers and designing integrated solutions.

+ Debug and document computer application programs to meet users' needs.

+ Observe, analyze and optimize software resource usage patterns, including training current and future users.

+ Ensure effective communication and information flow to various audiences.

+ Build and maintain relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

+ Promote a culture of safety and compliance with all applicable university policies and procedures.

** Additional opportunities include:*
* + Participate in and contribute to general group research activities.

+ Represent your research results at seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops.

** To be successful in this position you will bring:*
* + Bachelor
¿ s degree in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, science, or related field and five years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.

+ Thorough understanding of all aspects of software development life cycle and quality control practices.

+ Strong knowledge of at least one programming language.

+ Ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.

+ Expertise in developing, testing, and deploying applications.

+ Operational experience with scientific AI-based algorithms and frameworks, including LLMs

+ Ability to define and solve logical problems for highly technical applications.

+ Effective communication skills with both…