Associate Scientist - AI and Fundamental Physics

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA seeks an Associate Scientist to conduct research at the intersection of AI and fundamental physics. This role integrates with SLAC‑wide AI efforts and the Center for Decoding the Universe.

Onsite work is required. You will develop world‑leading AI research, mentor researchers, and help grow funding. Classification: Associate Scientist; Fixed Term (3‑5 years); Grade: K; Job Code: 1092; Expected pay range: $118,000 to $175,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, statistics, computer science, or a related field.
• At least two years of post‑doctoral experience in AI relevant for fundamental physics.
• Demonstrated knowledge with the standard software tools and computational ecosystems for modern scientific AI.
• Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through publications.

Responsibilities

• Develop a world‑leading research effort in AI and fundamental physics, as measured by impactful papers, software, and results.
• Provide some training to the local scientific community.
• Develop goals and focus of new AI areas at SLAC, aligned with strategic directions.
• Grow base funding for Computational HEP and forge industry partnerships.
• Mentor postdocs and graduate students and oversee engineering staff.

Skills

Communication

Publications

Independent research

Team collaboration

Diversity communication

Education

Ph.D. in physics, statistics, computer science, or related field

Tools

AI tools

Computational frameworks

Job description

Position Overview

Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks an Associate Scientist to conduct research at the intersection of AI and fundamental physics.

Job Description

SLAC and Stanford have a long history of scientific leadership in AI and fundamental physics. This growth area will define future directions for AI in FPD, building community at the lab and with researchers on the Stanford campus. The successful candidate will integrate with the SLAC-wide AI efforts as part of the Integrated Scientific and Data Intensive Computing Initiative and with the Center for Decoding the Universe, a joint initiative of Stanford Data Science and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC).

Onsite work is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop a world‑leading research effort in AI and fundamental physics, as measured by impactful research papers, software, and scientific results.
• Provide some support/training to the local scientific community.
• Develop the goals and focus of new and strengthened AI areas at SLAC, centered around lab‑wide strategic directions.
• Grow the base funding in Computational HEP at SLAC to support the selected candidate's program by the end of the Associate Scientist appointment, including growing support outside of DOE/HEP and forging partnerships with industry.
• Mentor postdoctoral research associates and graduate students and provide oversight of engineering and technical staff.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, statistics, computer science, or a related field.
• At least two years of post‑doctoral experience in AI relevant for fundamental physics.
• Demonstrated knowledge with the standard software tools and computational ecosystems for modern scientific AI.
• Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through publications.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research and collaborate in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying state‑of‑the‑art AI tools to HEP data.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative statistical or computational AI tools relevant for HEP.

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.

Classification and Compensation

Classification Title: Associate Scientist

Duration: Fixed Term (3‑5 years)

Grade: K

Job Code: 1092

Expected pay range: $118,000 to $175,000 per annum. Salary will be determined based on scope and responsibilities, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.