Project Scientist - Microreactor Chip Based Sample Delivery

Position Overview

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a DOE national user facility operated by Stanford University, seeks a Project Scientist to lead development of segmented-flow droplet microreactors for high-throughput, time-resolved X-ray studies of transient chemical and biological processes. This project will enable new science in gas/liquid/solid catalysis, gas/liquid and liquid/liquid mixing, and nucleation studies relevant to pharmaceuticals, energy storage materials, and greenhouse-gas remediation.

The Project Scientist will work closely with the Sample Environment and Delivery team to integrate droplet-based microfluidic technologies into LCLS's existing liquid-jet delivery systems, ensuring compatibility with upcoming LCLS-II-HE operating modes. The role involves hands-on device design and fabrication, benchtop characterization (high-speed imaging, mixing/transport diagnostics), and experimental support at LCLS and SSRL. Additionally, the candidate will support LCLS User operations relevant to biological science experiments where the novel microfluidic techniques can be leveraged. The position involves close collaboration with SLAC and Stanford teams for microfabrication, rapid prototyping, and systems integration, as well as documenting standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and experimental results. This is a two-year fixed term position.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

Your Impact

• Design, fabricate, and iterate designs of segmented-flow microreactor prototypes (PDMS, glass, commercial chips).
• Build and operate the microfluidic platform to characterize device performance: syringe/pressure pumps, controllers, valves, fittings, and tubing for multiphase flows.
• Characterize droplets and mixing with high-speed imaging, fluorescence, and quantitative image analysis.
• Run offline reaction and transport experiments (gas/liquid, liquid/liquid, particle suspensions); collect and analyze kinetic/transport data.
• Support and enable LCLS User science operations.
• Maintain experimental records, SOPs, safety documentation, and inventory of consumables.
• Collaborate with microfabrication engineers and vendors for rapid prototyping and materials selection.
• Contribute to data reduction, figure generation, technical reports, and manuscripts.

Note: The Project Scientist role is a fixed term staff position. This is a 2-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• Ph.D. in Engineering (biomedical, electrical, mechanical, etc.), Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with microfluidics, millifluidics, and microfabrication.
• Hands-on experience with fluid handling hardware: syringe pumps, pressure controllers, fittings, and tubing.
• Ability to lead experiments independently.
• Ability to rapidly prototype and test new techniques.
• Experience with development of optical diagnostics (high-speed imaging, basic fluorescence microscopy) and quantitative image analysis.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong experimental troubleshooting, record keeping, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel and participate in beamline experiments at SSRL and LCLS as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.

Preferred Requirements

• Prior experience with experiments at X-ray light sources (synchrotron or XFEL), or familiarity with X-ray sample-delivery constraints.
• Microfabrication skills: soft lithography (PDMS), glass etching, metal deposition, or chip assembly.
• Experience developing complex sample delivery systems, particularly supporting droplet based techniques as well as liquid jets.
• Experience working with multiphase flows, gas-liquid microreactors, or solid suspensions in microchannels.
• Experience with vacuum or helium-environment sample handling, and safe handling of hazardous reagents.
• Programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW).

Minimum Education and Experience

MS degree or currently pursuing a PhD, with years of experience determined by the position level and project needs. Candidates will provide evidence of either a recently completed PhD degree in the area of physics, mathematics, materials science, or a related field, and confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position.

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 his or her job.
• May work extended hours during peak business cycles.
• The ability to travel to synchrotron and XFEL facilities around the world to perform experiments is required.
• Given the nature of this position, onsite work is required.