Research Associate - LCLS SRD Laser and Chemical Sciences

Research Associate - LCLS SRD Laser and Chemical Sciences

Job ID

6237

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a highly capable and enthusiastic Research Associate to lead research at the intersection of laser and chemical sciences.

LCLS recently turned on LCLS-II, a new, high repetition rate XFEL that will enable repetition rates up to 1MHz, enabling the study of ultrafast dynamics down to atomic spatial and attosecond time scales with unprecedented detail. Ultrafast lasers are an important part of the capabilities at LCLS, with the transition to LCLS-II requiring the development and operation of laser sourced at high-average and high-peak power. This includes novel laser sources for pump-probe experiments in fields such as AMO physics or chemistry, and laser sources for excitation of photocathodes that underpin our accelerator facilities.

The successful candidate will join a group of scientists focused on the development and application of state-of-the-art ultrafast pulses across the UV and visible spectrum. You will focus on a project to use sub 10 fs pulses generated via soliton dynamics in hollow core fibers for implementation in tabletop solution phase pump-probe experiments. The extreme time resolution provided by these experiments will provide new insight into the very fastest photophysical timescales such as the photoprotection mechanism in DNA bases.

The success of this project will form the foundation of future ultrafast pump-probe experiments at the LCLS, which will use these laser sources and techniques, in combination with ultrafast X-rays, to perform world-leading science.

Your specific duties include:

• Design a tabletop solution phase pump-probe experiment which fully utilizes the < 10 fs temporal resolution enabled by resonant dispersive wave optical pulses.

• Carry out simulations of non-linear dynamics in hollow core fibers.

• Carry out ultrafast pump probe measurements of solution phase systems. Interpret and publish results.

• Collaborate with colleagues in the Laser Science and Chemical Science Departments at the LCLS, to enhance the connection between scientists within the Science Research and Development Division of LCLS

• Participate in the planning and performing of experiments using laser infrastructure and LCLS instruments.

Note : The Research Associate is a fixed term staff position. Appointment duration is 24 months, with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent on project needs and funding.

Applicants must provide evidence of either a recently completed PhD degree or confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae which includes a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Laser Physics, Chemistry or related fields.

• Prior experience working with ultrafast lasers performing pump-probe measurements.

• Experience with data acquisition and processing (e.g. Python/Matlab)

• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills. Good interpersonal skills are essential.

Additional desired experience:

• Dispersion management in ultrafast pulses

• Nonlinear pulse generation in the UV and Visible regions

• Vacuum systems

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 the 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: ~~~

• 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, ~~~ .

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• Classification Title: Research Assoc-Experimental

• Grade: G, Job code: 0127

• Employment Duration: Fixed term ¿ 24 months

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 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.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.