Associate Staff Scientist - Operando Electron Microscopy and Ultrafast Quantum Science

SLAC; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks an Associate Staff Scientist to develop and apply advanced TEM, in-situ TEM, and time-resolved microscopy for electrochemical scale-up science and ultrafast quantum research. You will work across SCCALE and collaborate with Stanford PULSE Institute to advance materials characterization and correlative workflows.

The role interfaces electrochemical/catalytic materials, nanoscale microscopy, and ultrafast science, contributing to growth of quantum science

Qualifications

• PhD required with postdoctoral or equivalent research experience (0–2 years).
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced electron microscopy techniques including aberration-corrected TEM/STEM, in situ/operando TEM, 4D-STEM, EELS, and ultrafast EM.
• Experience studying functional materials, catalysts, interfaces, nanomaterials, or energy-relevant systems using microscopy and spectroscopy.
• Strong publication record in materials science, quantum science, microscopy, spectroscopy, or related fields.
• Ability to design experiments linking local structure/dynamics to performance, stability, or function.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply TEM, in situ/operando microscopy, 4D-STEM, EELS, and related approaches for energy materials research.
• Investigate catalysts, interfaces, and materials for degradation, restructuring, and scale-up relevance.
• Develop correlative workflows connecting electron microscopy with X-ray spectroscopy, scattering, and imaging, and with ultrafast science.
• Collaborate with PULSE researchers to build time-resolved microscopy and quantum science activities at SLAC.
• Coordinate with LCLS MeV-UED for operando-compatible sample platforms for ultrafast diffraction.
• Contribute to publications, proposals, reports, and user support related to advanced microscopy.
• Work occasional evenings/weekends as needed to support experiments and facility operations.

Skills

TEM/STEM expertise

In-situ/operando TEM

4D-STEM

EELS

Ultrafast electron microscopy

Materials science background

Strong publication record

Experiment design

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field

Tools

Aberration-corrected TEM

In-situ/operando TEM hardware

EELS instrumentation

Job description

Position Overview:

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an Associate Staff Scientist to develop and apply advanced transmission electron microscopy, in-situ transmission electron microscopy, and time-resolved materials characterization approaches in support of electrochemical scale-up science and ultrafast quantum research. The position will be supported across multiple aligned efforts, with a primary focus on SCCALE, the Solutions Center for Commercial Advancement of Large-Scale Electrochemistry, and a strong collaborative component with the Stanford PULSE Institute.

The scientist will work at the interface of electrochemical/catalytic materials, nanoscale microscopy, ultrafast science, and advanced characterization. Within SCCALE, the scientist will help understand how catalysts, electrodes, interfaces, membranes, and device-relevant materials evolve as electrochemical technologies move from laboratory studies toward larger-scale operation. The work will emphasize electron microscopy and correlative characterization methods that reveal materials restructuring, degradation pathways, local heterogeneity, and structure-performance relationships under relevant operating or post-operation conditions.

In partnership with PULSE, the scientist will contribute to the growth of quantum science and time-resolved microscopy activities at SLAC. This effort will connect advanced TEM, in situ and operando microscopy, ultrafast optical approaches, and X-ray-based methods to study functional materials under transient, driven, or non-equilibrium conditions. The role will strengthen collaboration across SSRL, PULSE, LCLS, and Stanford communities by linking energy science, X-ray characterization, ultrafast science, and microscopy into a more integrated experimental program.

A future-facing component of the position will involve collaboration with the LCLS MeV-UED team to explore opportunities for more advanced sample environments and operando-compatible concepts for ultrafast electron diffraction. This activity is expected to develop over time in coordination with future programmatic opportunities and available resources.

The scientist will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across SLAC, Stanford, national laboratories, and external collaborators to develop case studies that demonstrate how advanced microscopy and correlative characterization can guide materials design, diagnose failure mechanisms, and support the scale-up of electrochemical and energy-relevant technologies.

Note: This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3 to 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.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA. Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require on-site work.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Develop and apply advanced TEM, in situ/operando electron microscopy, 4D-STEM, EELS, and related microscopy approaches to study functional materials relevant in SLAC energy-science programs.
• Investigate catalysts, interfaces, and related materials used in catalytic systems and reactors, with emphasis on degradation, restructuring, heterogeneity, and scale-relevant behavior.
• Develop correlative workflows that connect electron microscopy with X-ray spectroscopy, scattering, and imaging methods and with PULSE ultrafast science approaches.
• Work with PULSE researchers to build time-resolved microscopy and ultrafast quantum science activities at SLAC.
• Collaborate with LCLS MeV-UED scientists to identify future opportunities for operando-compatible or environmentally controlled sample platforms for ultrafast electron diffraction.
• Contribute to publications, proposals, reports, user support, and presentations related to advanced microscopy and correlative characterization.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends as needed in support of experiments, activities, and facility operations.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline, with minimum 0-2 years of postdoctoral or postgraduate research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced electron microscopy, such as aberration-corrected TEM/STEM, in situ or operando TEM, 4D-STEM, EELS, ultrafast electron microscopy, or related methods.
• Experience studying functional materials, catalysts, interfaces, nanomaterials, electrochemical materials, nanophotonic systems, or energy-relevant materials using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy.
• Strong publication record in materials and quantum science, microscopy, spectroscopy, ultrafast science, catalysis, nanophotonics, or related fields.
• Ability to design experiments that connect local materials structure and dynamics with broader performance, stability, or functionality questions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, cross-directorate teams.

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions:Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development:Pursues opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability:Can be counted on to deliver results with personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative:Pursues work proactively with motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability:Adjusts effectively as priorities and needs evolve.
• Communication:Delivers clear written, spoken, and presented messages.
• Relationships:Builds relationships that support trust, collaboration, and 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.

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.

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• Classification Title: Associate Staff Scientist
• Grade: K, Job code: 1092
• Duration: 3-year fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $145,411 - $173,254 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.