Associate Scientist [Computational Beamline Scientist]

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 and the Science and R&D division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC are seeking a Computational Beamline Scientist to work on the development and optimization of advanced data analysis algorithms and complex computational workflows for the science exploitation of the facility.

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 be line managed within one of the science departments at LCLS and report in a matrixed role directly to the ESD division director with a focus on the development and integration of new data processing algorithms and workflows within the EDS software and hardware platforms, as well as supporting, maintaining and optimizing existing data analysis code and pipelines. A significant aspect of the role will be to interface with collaborators, users, and their teams/students to support their data analysis needs. The candidate is expected to pursue these opportunities while developing a collaborative and strong user support framework for optimal use of the facility. The candidate is expected to engage in scientific research, and help to develop new scientific directions.

Note: This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed term position for a recent graduate or post-doctoral fellow and is 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 should include a cover letter, a statement of research including a summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of 3-5 references for letters of recommendation.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Analyze, design, 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 scaled performance
• Interface with external collaborators and users and provide technical support to facilitate their use of LCLS infrastructure.
• Support the infrastructure for the development of new machine learning data analysis approaches.
• Implement tests and benchmark studies and establish continuous integration practices for code maintenance.
• 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.
• Participate in science, research and development within one of the science departments at LCLS.
• Participate in forefront experiments in ultrafast X-ray science using the LCLS.
• Collaborate with other SRD scientists, EDS group members, and members from other Divisions within LCLS.
• 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 research activities, within one of the science departments at LCLS.
• Represent your research results at seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry, or related fields and 2 years of research experience in ultrafast, optical and X-ray science.
• Experience developing and delivering research activities, including progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience supporting a complex user facility and/or R&D environment.
• Research record as evidenced by a publication record commensurate with level of work experience.
• Record of scientific productivity through publications.
• Strong analytical and computation skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments.
• Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.
• Ability to carry out independent research, collaborate closely with colleagues conducting experimental research, and participate in the writing of scientific proposals to fund research.
• Thorough understanding of all aspects of software development life cycle and quality control practices.
• Expertise in designing, developing, testing, and deploying applications.
• Proficiency with application design and data modeling.
• Ability to define and solve logical problems for highly technical applications.
• Strong knowledge of at least one programming language.
• Ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical clients.
• Demonstrated experience leading activities on structured team development projects.
• Ability to recognize and recommend needed changes in user and/or operations procedures.
• Current knowledge of latest software and design standards.
• Ability to define and solve logical problems for technical applications.
• Knowledge of and ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Experience with HPC software deployment and task scheduling systems (module system, SLURM).
• Background in x-ray or material science.

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.

Work Standard:

• 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 1General 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: Associate Scientist (Level 2)
• Grade: K Job Code : 1092
• Duration : 3-year term

The expected pay range for this position is $118,000 - $175,000 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.