Staff Scientist - XAS Imaging

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of SLAC, and a national research facility for scientific applications using synchrotron radiation at Stanford University has an employment opportunity for a Staff Scientist with strong methodological, scientific and technical skills and a background in soil science, geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy/x-ray fluorescence imaging, to work in a team focused on research in the broadly defined areas of biogeochemistry and materials forensics.

The Scientist will perform and support a variety of scientific laboratory work and participate in a team that will develop sample preparation and characterization techniques; perform data collection at SSRL's synchrotron x-ray absorption and imaging beam lines; perform data analysis and evaluation of results; and participate in the development of research publications, funding proposals, and grant reports. The scientist will have the opportunity to collaborate with a vibrant, highly interactive, and multidisciplinary research team that is using a range of techniques beyond those focusing on x-ray measurements, including microbiology, infrared spectroscopy / imaging, field flow fractionation instrumentation, and accompanying multi-modal data analysis.

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.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for major research projects.
• Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.
• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.
• Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication and present ongoing work to colleagues and/or at academic conferences.
• Develop research proposals to acquire additional funding for technical developments and/or salary support
• Assist staff or students as needed, including providing oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• PhD or equivalent in chemistry, physics, geochemistry, environmental engineering or related field and 4 or more years of relevant experience such as in performing synchrotron-based x-ray imaging and x-ray spectroscopy experiments, as well as field-related experience in the collection and preparation of soil samples.
• Strong research interest in biogeochemistry, environmental science, geochemistry, or closely related field
• Experience in conducting geochemistry or biogeochemistry laboratory research.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sample preparation and experimental design for XRF imaging experiments. Experience in software utilization for XRF image analysis and XAS data processing.
• Experience in supporting a research team, driving research goals, and mentoring the next generation of researchers (graduate students, post-doctorates, research associates).
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communications skills. Ability to assist other scientists with the scientific writing of methods and results obtained from synchrotron experiments.
• Demonstrated strong ability to interact effectively and collaborate with a diverse group of scientists, technical staff and user groups; to work well in a team; as well as ability to take individual independent initiative, all in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to think outside the box; and willingness to learn and bridge knowledge/ experience gaps.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Post-doctoral experience as well as >8 years of experience in geoscience, environmental science, biogeochemistry, soil science or related field with a strong record of publications in scientific journals.
• Direct experience and knowledge of synchrotron hard and tender x-ray fluorescence imaging and x-ray absorption spectroscopy beam lines.
• Experience in interpretation of biogeochemical properties of soils.
• Experience with colloidal chemistry and colloidal transport in porous media.
• Experience in the handling of low-level radioactive materials and adhering to applicable procedural and safety regulations.

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.

Working conditions:

• Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials are present
• Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.

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 the job.

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 : Staff Scientist
• Grade : L, Job Code: 1093
• Duration : Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $148,000 to $213,000 per annum. 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.