Science and Engineering Associate - LCLS Experimental Operations

SLAC Job Postings

Position overview:

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Experimental Operations Division is seeking Science and Engineering Associates to join our team and provide leadership and support to scientific instruments and experiments. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is a science Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. LCLS is the world s first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL). LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself. A suite of 10 instruments for exploiting the unique LCLS scientific capabilities has been produced.

The Science and Engineering Associate is responsible for coordinating efforts among many diverse groups, provide direct technical expertise in support of our science program and our Users from around the globe. Science and Engineering Associates provide Work Planning and Control support while working with Scientists, Technicians and Engineers responsible for the configuration of the facility. The Science and Engineering Associate will be a key technical member of one or multiple teams in charge of instruments and play an important role in maintenance, development and deployment of experiment specific systems as well as any upgrades to the systems. In this key role you will leverage a fundamental knowledge of Mechanical, Vacuum, Lasers and Controls systems is required. You will support operations involving multiple disciplines utilized in research and experimental activities. This position reports to the LCLS Technical Associate Support Department within the LCLS Experimental Operations Division.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Lead technical work supporting research utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, specimens, plans, designs, reports, and/or data analysis.
• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
• Lead scientific and research support programs related to area of specialization; analyze requirements, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or 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 schedule 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 associated with research or engineering projects, as assigned.
• Oversee and drive the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.
• Become subject matter expert with the details of the instrument(s) in respect to controls and vacuum systems.
• Diagnose and resolve any problems that may arise with the instruments controls and vacuum delivery systems, or troubleshoot issues at a first level and identify tasks requiring expert knowledge.
• Interact with and assist instrument scientists and users from across the world in the preparation for operations of their specific instruments.
• Lead the installation, and ensure operation of new hardware-components, and instrumentation.
• Order, schedule, coordinate, and supervise the work of technicians and support staff.
• Lead in the planning, procurement and installation cycles for new projects and installation.
• Perform other related activities as directed by the Experimental Operations Manager.
• Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor s degree in engineering or related or related scientific discipline and six years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support
• Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
• Experience overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/
• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
• Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.
• Analytical skills to troubleshoot, root cause and drive issue resolution
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a diverse team environment.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate in a team environment.
• Perform work supervision duties, overseeing the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/project,
• Supervising the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of complex scientific or engineering projects, and training technicians, operators, and others working in a particular scientific or engineering function area.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee, maintain, and develop a laboratory space including demonstrated ability to and supervise the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

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 the job.

Work Standards :

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities:
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,
• As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

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• Classification Title: Science and Engineering Associate 3
• Job code: 4993 Grade: K
• Duration: Regular continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $132,996 - $157,641 per annum

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.