Associate Staff Scientist – MFX Instrument Scientist

About the role

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) is one of the world’s premier research laboratories, providing internationally leading capabilities through its accelerator-based light sources and scientific programs. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a directorate of SLAC and the world’s first hard X-ray free-electron laser, seeks an Associate Staff Scientist with expertise in structural biology, scientific computing, data science, scientific outreach, and user facility operations.

The successful candidate will join the LCLS Biological Sciences Department within the Science Research and Development Division and contribute to the operation, scientific advancement, and development of the biology user program. The Associate Staff Scientist will play a leading role in supporting user science activities primarily at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument and its LCLS II upgrade, MFX HE. The position combines user support, scientific software development, computational methods, data science, scientific outreach, community engagement, and collaborative research.

Working closely with scientists, engineers, software developers, and users, the candidate will develop innovative approaches that improve the robustness, reliability, efficiency, data quality, scientific productivity, and the overall user experience. A major focus of the position will be the development and deployment of advanced computational tools and workflows for structural biology experiments, including automated data processing, real-time experiment feedback, data visualization, artificial intelligence-enabled analysis, and data-driven experimental strategies.

The successful candidate will help shape the next generation of structural biology capabilities at LCLS by integrating advances in computation, automation, machine learning, and data science into beamline operations and user workflows. The position offers the opportunity to serve as a computational beamline scientist, bridging scientific software development, experimental operations, and biological discovery. The position also includes a significant leadership role in community engagement and scientific outreach.

The successful candidate will work closely with users and collaborators to lower barriers to access, improve user readiness, and foster a vibrant and engaged scientific community around MFX and future LCLS biological sciences capabilities. This role involves close collaboration with internal staff and external user groups, supporting experiment planning, execution, and analysis while driving technical innovation that enhances LCLS capabilities. Dissemination of scientific results through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, workshops, invited talks, and community engagement activities is expected. The work will be performed as part of a highly collaborative team of scientists at SLAC and partner institutions.

Responsibilities

• Support user science activities at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument and its LCLS II upgrade, MFX HE.
• Develop and deploy advanced computational tools and workflows for structural biology experiments, including automated data processing, real-time experiment feedback, data visualization, AI-enabled analysis, and data-driven experimental strategies.
• Integrate advances in computation, automation, machine learning, and data science into beamline operations and user workflows.
• Engage in community outreach and scientific dissemination through publications, conferences, workshops, and invited talks.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external user groups to enhance experiment planning, execution, and analysis.
• Drive technical innovation to improve LCLS capabilities in structural biology.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in structural biology research at X-ray sources.
• Hands-on experience with X-ray spectroscopy and/or X-ray diffraction techniques.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Skills

• Experience working at X-ray free-electron laser or synchrotron radiation facilities.
• Experience with serial crystallography for biology and chemistry.
• Background in studies of redox-active biological or chemical systems.
• Scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB).
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-development through continuous learning.
• Dependability and initiative in delivering results.
• Adaptability to change and proactive communication.
• Ability to build relationships and foster collaboration.

About Us

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest, and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery.

Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing, and the development of next-generation accelerators. SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.