Associate Staff Scientist – MFX Instrument Scientist

Stanford University; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park seeks an Associate Staff Scientist in the LCLS Biological Sciences Department to advance structural biology research with advanced computational workflows.

You will support the MFX instrument, develop data-driven analysis, and lead community outreach while collaborating across scientists, engineers, and users to enhance beamline operations.

Qualifications

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Experience in structural biology research at X-ray sources.
• Scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB).

Responsibilities

• Support user science activities at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument and LCLS II upgrade.
• Develop computational tools and workflows for automated data processing and real-time feedback.
• Lead community engagement and scientific outreach to foster a vibrant user program.

Skills

Structural biology

Scientific computing

Data science

Python

MATLAB

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

X-ray spectroscopy

X-ray diffraction

Serial crystallography

Python

MATLAB

Job description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) is one of the world’s premier research laboratories, providing internationally leading capabilities through its accelerator based light sources and scientific programs. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a directorate of SLAC and the world’s first hard X ray free electron laser, seeks an Associate Staff Scientist with expertise in structural biology, scientific computing, data science, scientific outreach, and user facility operations. The successful candidate will join the LCLS Biological Sciences Department within the Science Research and Development Division and contribute to the operation, scientific advancement, and development of the biology user program.

The Associate Staff Scientist will play a leading role in supporting user science activities primarily at the Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument and its LCLS II upgrade, MFX HE. The position combines user support, scientific software development, computational methods, data science, scientific outreach, community engagement, and collaborative research. Working closely with scientists, engineers, software developers, and users, the candidate will develop innovative approaches that improve the robustness, reliability, efficiency, data quality, scientific productivity, and the overall user experience.

A major focus of the position will be the development and deployment of advanced computational tools and workflows for structural biology experiments, including automated data processing, real time experiment feedback, data visualization, artificial intelligence enabled analysis, and data driven experimental strategies. The successful candidate will help shape the next generation of structural biology capabilities at LCLS by integrating advances in computation, automation, machine learning, and data science into beamline operations and user workflows. The position offers the opportunity to serve as a computational beamline scientist, bridging scientific software development, experimental operations, and biological discovery.

The position also includes a significant leadership role in community engagement and scientific outreach. The successful candidate will work closely with users and collaborators to lower barriers to access, improve user readiness, and foster a vibrant and engaged scientific community around MFX and future LCLS biological sciences capabilities. This role involves close collaboration with internal staff and external user groups, supporting experiment planning, execution, and analysis while driving technical innovation that enhances LCLS capabilities. Dissemination of scientific results through peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, workshops, invited talks, and community engagement activities is expected. The work will be performed as part of a highly collaborative team of scientists at SLAC and partner institutions.

Applicants must provide evidence of a PhD. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a research statement describing their scientific interests and accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, and a publication list. Letters of recommendation or contact information for references are welcomed but not required at the time of application.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Experience in structural biology research at x-ray sources.
• Hands-on experience with X-ray spectroscopy and/or X-ray diffraction techniques.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience working at X-ray free-electron laser or synchrotron radiation facilities.
• Experience with serial crystallography for biology and chemistry.
• Background in studies of redox-active biological or chemical systems.
• Scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB).
• 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
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options

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 and Self-Sufficient

Note

This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-5 year fixed-termposition and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3-5 year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.

• Applicants must hold a PhD degree or provide formal confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references for future letters of recommendation.