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 is seeking an Associate Scientist to lead a world-class research program at the intersection of artificial intelligence and fundamental physics. The role emphasizes developing AI methods for theory and experiment, mentorship, and collaboration across SLAC and Stanford initiatives.

The appointment is a 3- to 5-year fixed-term, with potential for advancement to Staff Scientist based on achievement.

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 for technical documentation.
• Record of scientific productivity through publications.

Responsibilities

• Develop a world-leading research effort in AI and fundamental physics, evidenced by papers and software.
• Provide training to the local scientific community.
• Shape AI areas at SLAC aligned with lab directions.
• Grow Computational HEP funding, including industry partnerships.
• Mentor postdocs and graduate students; oversee staff.

Skills

AI in physics

Education

Ph.D. in physics

Post-doctoral AI experience

Job description

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks candidates at the Associate Scientist level (research work performed by associate scientist is similar to assistant professor at a university) with a proven track record of research in AI and fundamental physics, broadly defined. This includes candidates with experience applying methods to solve theoretical or experimental challenges as well as candidates with experience developing statistical or computational methods relevant to fundamental physics. Preference will be given to candidates with an aptitude and interest in connecting with more than one established FPD research area.

SLAC and Stanford have a long history of scientific leadership in AI and fundamental physics. At the same time, this is a growth area for FPD and the successful candidate will help define future directions for AI in FPD, building community at the lab and with researchers on the Stanford campus. This includes integrating 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).

Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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 possibly forging partnerships with industry.
• Mentor postdoctoral research associates and graduate students and provide oversight of engineering and technical staff.

Note: This position is at the Associate Scientist (Tier 2) level. The Associate Scientist is a 3 to 5 year fixed term research staff position. The Associate position is assessed after the 3 to 5 year period with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level. Appointment to the Staff Scientist level requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievement.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• 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.

SLAC 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.

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: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• 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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
• 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:

Associate Scientist

Duration:

Fixed Term

Grade:

K

Job code:

1092

The expected pay range for this position is $118,000 to $175,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary 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.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affluent Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.