Associate Staff Scientist - Operando Electron Microscopy and Ultrafast Quantum Science

About the Role

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an Associate Staff Scientist to develop and apply advanced transmission electron microscopy, in-situ transmission electron microscopy, and time-resolved materials characterization approaches in support of electrochemical scale-up science and ultrafast quantum research. The position will be supported across multiple aligned efforts, with a primary focus on SCCALE, the Solutions Center for Commercial Advancement of Large-Scale Electrochemistry, and a strong collaborative component with the Stanford PULSE Institute. The scientist will work at the interface of electrochemical/catalytic materials, nanoscale microscopy, ultrafast science, and advanced characterization.

Within SCCALE, the scientist will help understand how catalysts, electrodes, interfaces, membranes, and device-relevant materials evolve as electrochemical technologies move from laboratory studies toward larger-scale operation. The work will emphasize electron microscopy and correlative characterization methods that reveal materials restructuring, degradation pathways, local heterogeneity, and structure-performance relationships under relevant operating or post-operation conditions.

In partnership with PULSE, the scientist will contribute to the growth of quantum science and time-resolved microscopy activities at SLAC. This effort will connect advanced TEM, in situ and operando microscopy, ultrafast optical approaches, and X-ray-based methods to study functional materials under transient, driven, or non-equilibrium conditions. The role will strengthen collaboration across SSRL, PULSE, LCLS, and Stanford communities by linking energy science, X-ray characterization, ultrafast science, and microscopy into a more integrated experimental program.

A future-facing component of the position will involve collaboration with the LCLS MeV-UED team to explore opportunities for more advanced sample environments and operando-compatible concepts for ultrafast electron diffraction. This activity is expected to develop over time in coordination with future programmatic opportunities and available resources.

The scientist will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across SLAC, Stanford, national laboratories, and external collaborators to develop case studies that demonstrate how advanced microscopy and correlative characterization can guide materials design, diagnose failure mechanisms, and support the scale-up of electrochemical and energy-relevant technologies.

This is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position at the Associate Staff Scientist level, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level after assessment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced TEM, in situ/operando electron microscopy, 4D-STEM, EELS, and related microscopy approaches to study functional materials relevant in SLAC energy-science programs.
• Investigate catalysts, interfaces, and related materials used in catalytic systems and reactors, with emphasis on degradation, restructuring, heterogeneity, and scale-relevant behavior.
• Develop correlative workflows that connect electron microscopy with X-ray spectroscopy, scattering, and imaging methods and with PULSE ultrafast science approaches.
• Work with PULSE researchers to build time-resolved microscopy and ultrafast quantum science activities at SLAC.
• Collaborate with LCLS MeV-UED scientists to identify future opportunities for operando-compatible or environmentally controlled sample platforms for ultrafast electron diffraction.
• Contribute to publications, proposals, reports, user support, and presentations related to advanced microscopy and correlative characterization.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends as needed in support of experiments, activities, and facility operations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline, with minimum 0-2 years of postdoctoral or postgraduate research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced electron microscopy, such as aberration-corrected TEM/STEM, in situ or operando TEM, 4D-STEM, EELS, ultrafast electron microscopy, or related methods.
• Experience studying functional materials, catalysts, interfaces, nanomaterials, electrochemical materials, nanophotonic systems, or energy-relevant materials using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy.
• Strong publication record in materials and quantum science, microscopy, spectroscopy, ultrafast science, catalysis, nanophotonics, or related fields.
• Ability to design experiments that connect local materials structure and dynamics with broader performance, stability, or functionality questions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, cross-directorate teams.

Skills

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work proactively with motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Adjusts effectively as priorities and needs evolve.
• Communication: Delivers clear written, spoken, and presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships that support trust, collaboration, and common goals.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with colleagues and external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety, and security.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $145,411 - $173,254 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as 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.