Science and Engineering Associate 1

About the role

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Operations is seeking Science and Engineering Associates to join our team and provide leadership and support to scientific instruments and experiments. LCLS is the world’s first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL) and operates as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists globally to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments. You will collaborate with a diverse group to solve complex challenges, contribute to breakthrough discoveries, and work with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment.

A suite of 10 instruments exploits LCLS’s unique scientific capabilities. As a Science and Engineering Associate, you will coordinate efforts among diverse groups, provide direct technical expertise, and support our global user community. You will play a key role in maintenance, development, and deployment of experiment-specific systems and upgrades, requiring fundamental knowledge of mechanical, vacuum, laser, and controls systems.

Responsibilities

• Participate in technical research utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, specimens, plans, designs, reports, and data analysis.
• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
• Support scientific and research programs related to your area of specialization; analyze requirements, monitor and oversee experimental processes, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and systems.
• Manage, modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems.
• Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing.
• Coordinate and work on scientific or engineering installations; plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedules of equipment operations, and supervise routine maintenance.
• Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects.
• Maintain documentation related to research studies and protocols, and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems.
• Oversee the work of technicians and other staff; provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in scientific or engineering function areas.
• Become familiar with instrument controls and vacuum systems; diagnose and resolve issues or identify tasks requiring expert knowledge.
• Interact with and assist instrument scientists and global users in preparing for instrument operations.
• Manage the installation and operation of new hardware components and instrumentation.
• Order, schedule, coordinate, and supervise the work of technicians and support staff.
• Participate in planning, procurement, and installation cycles for new projects.
• Perform other related activities as directed by the Experimental Operations Manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or scientific discipline, or five years of equivalent work experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
• Experience with data analysis, experimental processes, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and systems related to your area of specialization.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and maintain research protocols.
• Experience overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising technicians and other staff.
• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work effectively with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
• Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or scientific discipline and three years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
• Experience with data analysis, experimental processes, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and systems.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and maintain research protocols.
• Experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant to the job.
• Ability to interpret and determine the validity of data and check your own work.
• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.

About Us

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest, and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery.

Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing, and the development of next-generation accelerators. SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States.