Science and Engineering Associate [ML for Automation]

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview

Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? Do you aspire to be at the forefront of scientific ML development for high throughput X-ray data analysis? The Material Science Department within Linac Coherent Light Source's (LCLS) Science, Research, and Development division is seeking a Science and Engineering Associate to join our team and provide analytical and ML support. LCLS is the world's first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL). LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself. A suite of 8 x-ray instruments for exploiting the unique LCLS scientific capabilities has been produced.

Note: This is a one-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to a regular- continuing position. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

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

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with instrument staffs and SRD scientists to identify high impact data analytical needs, specifically in the field of automation and smart experimental design.
• Prototype ML solutions that address the identified data and automation challenges and develop and deploy robust software products for a large user community.
• Support the transfer to operations of successful solutions to LCLS Data Systems and efficiently utilize DOE HPC network.
• Document software solution and train instrument staff and ML-novice users to use newly developed solutions.

Additional responsibilities include development toward other core capabilities of the PCDS department including:

• Support ongoing documentation effort aiming at collaboratively building online resources.
• Be a mentoring resource to help lower entry barrier for students working on automation-related projects.
• Translate and communicate scientific data problems to AI/ML experts.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Associate degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline, or three years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
• Experience with X-ray data analysis (preferably from XFEL), experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
• Experience with software applications, specifically python and pytorch.
• Ability to self-direct research and assess progress.
• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
• Ability to effectively communicate and supervise and train staff with different backgrounds and experiences.

SLAC Employee Competencies:

• 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.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• 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://www.group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

• Classification Title: Science and Engineering Associate 1
• Grade: I Job Code: 4991
• Duration: Fixed term 1 year

The expected pay range for this position is $95,970 - $116,993. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.