Associate Scientist - AI and Fundamental Physics

Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks an Associate Scientist to lead AI research in fundamental physics. The role requires developing world-class AI approaches, mentoring researchers, and shaping new AI directions within the FPD. Onsite work at SLAC is required.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a related field and substantial post-doctoral AI experience in physics, with strong communication and publication records. Collaboration across SLAC and Stanford is emphasized.

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 standard software tools and computational ecosystems for modern scientific AI.
• Effective communication and writing skills for technical and scientific documentation.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity through publications.
• Ability to work with a diverse population and collaborate in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop a world-leading AI and fundamental physics research program.
• Provide mentorship and training to local researchers.
• Shape and grow AI areas at SLAC aligned with lab directions.
• Grow base funding for the candidate's program.
• Mentor postdocs and graduate students; supervise staff.

Skills

AI for physics

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Python

ML frameworks

Data analysis tools

Job description

Position 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 the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI 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.

Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and three reference letters with the application.

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: https://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, https://adminguide.stanford.edu.