Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Resonant X-ray Scattering

Position Overview

Responsibilities

Requirements

Qualifications

Skills

Benefits

Pay

Schedule

• Position Overview

  The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is seeking an Associate Staff Scientist with a strong experimental background in quantum materials research, particularly with expertise in resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSXS), to join the Soft X-ray Group of the Materials Sciences Division.

  SSRL's capabilities at BL13 provide world-leading resonant soft X-ray scattering techniques, enabling spatially and spectroscopically resolved studies of correlated electronic phenomena through energy- and momentum-sensitive measurements. These capabilities allow detailed investigations of charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom in quantum materials.

  In this role, you will lead efforts to operate, maintain, and further develop the RSXS endstation at BL13. To fully leverage the RSXS capabilities at BL13, you will design and implement advanced sample environments in ultrahigh vacuum, including high magnetic fields, strain, and microwave excitation. These developments will enable studies of quantum materials under externally controlled conditions and expand the scientific scope of BL13 beyond traditional bulk single crystals to include thin films, two-dimensional materials, and complex heterostructures.

• Responsibilities

  You will conduct and support quantum materials research within the Soft X-ray Group, leveraging the RSXS capabilities at SSRL. You will lead the development, optimization, and routine operation of the RSXS beamline and endstation in collaboration with scientific, engineering, and technical staff. You will design and implement specialized sample environments for RSXS measurements. You will develop data analysis tools, workflows, and software pipelines to efficiently process and interpret scattering data. You will work closely with users to design optimized RSXS experiments and support their research programs. You will grow and support the RSXS user community at SSRL by engaging new research groups and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Requirements

  You must hold a PhD degree or provide formal confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. You must have at least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience. You must demonstrate research experience in quantum materials supported by publications and experimental achievements. You must have hands-on experience and expertise with soft X-ray synchrotron-based RSXS. You must have strong written and verbal communication skills. You must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Qualifications

  You must have a Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, or a related discipline. You must have demonstrated research experience in quantum materials supported by publications and experimental achievements. You must have hands-on experience and expertise with soft X-ray synchrotron-based RSXS. You must have strong written and verbal communication skills. You must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Skills

  You must have a strong background in quantum materials research, particularly with expertise in resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSXS). You must have experience designing and implementing specialized sample environments for RSXS measurements. You must have experience developing data analysis tools, workflows, and software pipelines to efficiently process and interpret scattering data. You must have experience working closely with users to design optimized RSXS experiments and support their research programs. You must have experience growing and supporting the RSXS user community at SSRL by engaging new research groups and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Benefits

  SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA. Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require on-site work.

• Pay

  The expected pay range for this position is $145,411 - $173,254 per annum.

• Schedule

  This position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3 to 5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.