Research Associate - Microreactor Chip Based Sample Delivery

About the role

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a DOE national user facility operated by Stanford University, seeks a Research Associate to lead development of segmented-flow droplet microreactors for high-throughput, time-resolved X-ray studies of transient chemical and biological processes.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

This is a two-year fixed term position. Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and names of three references with the application.

Qualifications

• 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).

Benefits

Note: The Research Associate 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.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 per annum.