Lead Scientist

Position Overview

Specific Responsibilities

• Scientific Goals:
  • Advocate for and represent the MEC science area inside and outside of LCLS and SLAC.
  • Work with the wider LCLS team and user community to identify prioritized research directions for high energy-density science at LCLS that will deliver internationally leading results at a scale commensurate with the level of investment and ambition of our laboratory and sponsors.
  • Engage the LCLS user community and the broader high energy-density science and fusion energy communities, including our staff, the local SLAC/Stanford research teams, and relevant funding agencies, to solicit advice and active engagement in LCLS scientific objectives, operations, and development.
  • Reach out to the wider research community, including the growing private inertial fusion energy sector, to inform and expand the user base for LCLS to ensure long-term alignment to the most compelling scientific objectives.
  • Serve as the principal investigator or co-principal investigator for DOE Fusion Energy Sciences-funded research activities at MEC, maintaining productive relationships with FES program managers and ensuring alignment between MEC capabilities and FES programmatic priorities.
• Facility Operations:
  • Support and optimize the scientific role of LCLS in the design, planning, safe execution, analysis, and publication of users' experiments.
  • Work with the MEC Instrument Lead to ensure that the scientific priorities of the department are reflected in experiment planning and execution, and that instrument scientists are effectively engaged in delivering the experimental program.
  • Cook with SRD and Operations management for experiment and project planning, including allocation of experiment staff, to maintain scientific excellence while optimizing experimental efficiency.
• Facility Development:
  • Work with the MEC Instrument Lead to advance the MEC instrument development plan.
  • Work with SRD leadership and LCLS/SLAC management to plan, deliver, commission, and exploit facility developments, and establish appropriate mechanisms for oversight of optimized deployment, ongoing effectiveness, and future improvement.
  • Drive operational robustness and efficiency of the MEC instrument to maximize scientific productivity and return on investment.
  • Define the MEC upgrade path in the context of the LCLS-II-HE era, including next-generation high-energy, high-repetition-rate laser drivers and associated diagnostic and target delivery infrastructure, aligned with the DOE Fusion Energy Roadmap and broader national programs.
  • Coordinate with SLAC's HED S&T initiative to ensure MEC developments are integrated with the laboratory's overall strategy for fusion science and technology.
  • Engage the scientific community to build consensus on priorities and technical requirements for future MEC capabilities, including through workshops, user meetings, and sustained partnerships with national laboratories, universities, and the private sector.
• Staff Development:
  • Work with other Department Heads and the SRD Division Director to drive the continual development of in-house scientific excellence, innovation, and adventure in our scientific and technical staff.
  • Ensure the MEC Department has the appropriate staff, skills, knowledge, and abilities to deliver its mission both now and in the future, consistent with financial and operational constraints.
  • Report to and work with the SRD Division Director to appoint group leaders within the Department where appropriate.
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration within and between departments, across LCLS/SLAC divisions, and with external partners to maximize scientific impact.
  • Develop and promote the diverse career trajectories of all SRD staff, ensuring opportunities for professional growth.
  • Support all aspects of hiring, performance management, and staff development.
  • Manage research funding for the Department.
  • Foster a highly collaborative, positive and respectful culture in all aspects of our work.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. In Physics, Plasma Physics, Or a Related Relevant Area Of Science
• A Minimum Of 8 Years Of Experience Including Experience leading and managing scientific projects and technical groups.
• Proven record of research achievements in high energy-density science, laser-matter interactions, or a closely related field, as demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, or equivalent contributions.
• Demonstrated body of research, development, or applied work that is internationally acknowledged to have defined major advancements in research.
• Demonstrated excellence in communicating research progress to both internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams and to actively mentor staff.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Interpersonal skills that can secure the trust of a broad research community and manage any conflicts in a manner that reinforces SLAC's values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, respect, and creativity.
• Proven ability to adapt and lead effectively in dynamic and evolving organizational contexts.
• Commitment to safety (physical and psychological) as an overarching priority.