Scientific Software Developer/Data Systems

SLAC Job Postings

Position overview:

Do you enjoy collaborating with groups of scientists and software developers to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instruments in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Experimental Data Systems (EDS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Computational Beamline Scientist to work on the deployment and optimization of complex computational workflows, and on their integration in day-to-day facility operations

LCLS is the world s premier X-ray free electron laser (XFEL), with unprecedented capabilities in photon energy range, peak power, and pulse lengths. LCLS instruments are specifically designed to utilize the exceptional beam characteristics of the X-ray laser to elucidate atomic structures and dynamics at the femtosecond timescale. The evolution of science and experimental techniques on these instruments, along with upgrades in the x-ray FEL source and optical lasers (LCLS-II and LCLS-II-HE), require significant modifications to user analysis workflows and the supporting software and hardware platforms.

The position will focus on the integration of new data processing algorithms and workflows, including AI and LLM-based ones, into current scientific operation procedures, with a specific focus on final user experience and effective interaction with the available EDS hardware and software platforms. A significant aspect of the role will be to interface with collaborators, users, and their teams/students to design and support efficient and straightforward usage patterns.

Job Purpose:

As a Software Developer in the LCLS Data Management Department, you will work within an interdisciplinary team of software developers, scientists, and engineers. Responsibilities include adapting and optimizing codes for beamline deployment and user interaction, including designing user interfaces and discovering and implementing efficient usage patterns and practices. The successful candidate should be comfortable in designing and writing efficient and documented code in the Python programming language. Knowledge of the C/C++ programming language is preferred but not required. The candidate should in addition have operational and programming experience with machine learning algorithms and frameworks for science, and operational knowledge of LLM models. The candidate should ideally also have experience with scientific facility operation procedures and work patterns. Proven experience in collaborative coding and scientific programming is required.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Analyze, develop, implement, modify, and maintain algorithms and pipelines to analyze scientific data generated by LCLS.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain data analysis workflows and optimize them for their use in day-to-day facility operations.
• Interface with external collaborators and users and provide technical support to facilitate their use of LCLS software and hardware resources.
• Support the development of new machine learning data analysis approaches with explicit focus on usability by beamline scientists and scientific users.
• Support users of the scientific instruments in running self-developed data analysis software within the LCLS software framework, consulting with external software developers and designing integrated solutions.
• Debug and document computer application programs to meet users' needs.
• Observe, analyze and optimize software resource usage patterns, including training current and future users.
• Ensure effective communication and information flow to various audiences.
• Build and maintain relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
• Promote a culture of safety and compliance with all applicable university policies and procedures.

Additional opportunities include:

• Participate in and contribute to general group research activities.
• Represent your research results at seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor s degree in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, science, or related field and five years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Thorough understanding of all aspects of software development life cycle and quality control practices.
• Strong knowledge of at least one programming language.
• Ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.
• Expertise in developing, testing, and deploying applications.
• Operational experience with scientific AI-based algorithms and frameworks, including LLMs
• Ability to define and solve logical problems for highly technical applications.
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical clients.
• Demonstrated experience leading activities on structured team development projects.
• Ability to recognize and recommend needed changes in user and/or operations procedures.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Background in x-ray or material science.
• Previous experience in roles related to operations at a scientific facility

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 his or her job.

Work Standard:

• 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.

• Classification Title: Software Developer 2
• Grade: J Job Code : 4822
• Duration : Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $138,402 - $163,985 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.