Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Accelerator Physics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO days

Tuition assistance

Flexible work options

Commuter benefits

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA, seeks an Associate Staff Scientist to join the SSRL Accelerator Physics Group. The role focuses on maintaining and upgrading the SPEAR3 storage ring, performing machine studies, and contributing to next-generation light source designs.

You will work with a team of accelerator physicists to diagnose issues during operations, run simulations, and develop beam dynamics improvements, while documenting results and collaborating with photon

Qualifications

• PhD in accelerator physics or related field, or equivalent experience with 2+ years in accelerator/ storage ring physics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of storage ring physics including linear and nonlinear beam optics.
• Hands-on accelerator expertise and ability to diagnose problems during operations.
• Aptitude with computer modeling codes and strong programming skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to document research clearly.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve SPEAR3 storage ring performance and injector operations.
• Participate in accelerator physics measurements during machine development periods.
• Contribute to design studies for a future next generation light source, including simulations and optimization of beam dynamics.
• Collaborate with SSRL photon scientists to advance acceleration research.

Skills

Hands-on accelerator experience

Programming skills

Communication

Problem diagnosis

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in accelerator physics or related field

Tools

Modeling codes

Programming skills

Job description

Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Accelerator Physics

Job Overview

Position Overview:

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's SPEAR3 is one of the four US Department of Energy synchrotron light sources electron storage rings dedicated to producing brilliant X-ray beams. SPEAR3 serves Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a national user facility with a long history of utilizing synchrotron radiation for multi-disciplinary experiments.

We are seeking an Accelerator Physicist to join our Accelerator Physics Group within the SSRL Accelerator Division. This group's responsibilities include:

• Physics support for the maintenance and operation of the SSRL accelerator complex, which includes an RF electron gun, 120-MeV linear accelerator, a 10-Hz cycling booster synchrotron to accelerate electrons from 120 MeV to 3 GeV, and the main SPEAR3 storage ring that emits x-ray synchrotron radiation from bend magnets, wigglers and undulators.
• Propose and help design, manage, and execute upgrades of the existing SSRL accelerators to improve their performance and/or reliability.
• Design a next generation storage ring as a future source to serve the SSRL photon science community.

This is an exciting time for the SSRL accelerator team. The Accelerator Physics Group is exploring options for a next generation light source for SSRL. We are investigating which technologies to push to enhance performance of a future light source beyond sources currently in operation or construction. We are working closely with SSRL photon scientists to establish a strong scientific case for a new SSRL light source.

• Contribute to the Accelerator Physics Group ongoing effort to maintain and improve the performance of the SPEAR3 storage ring and its injector.
• Participate in accelerator physics measurements and experiments during our regularly scheduled machine development periods.
• Contribute to design studies for a future next generation light source for SSRL. This work will include simulations and optimization of linear and nonlinear storage ring dynamics.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

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.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• A PhD in accelerator physics or related field or equivalent experience with minimum 2 years of relevant experience in accelerator and storage ring physics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of storage ring physics including linear and nonlinear beam optics and lattice design.
• Hands-on accelerator expertise, including the ability to quickly diagnose problems that develop with the accelerators during operations.
• Aptitude with computer modeling codes as well as strong programming skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to clearly document scientific research and projects.
• 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 his or her 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.

• 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.

Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Fixed Term N
• SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
• Locations Menlo Park, CA, United States
• Job Schedule Full time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Research - Other
• Posting Date 04/13/2026, 12:00 AM
• Grade K
• Job Identification 6713

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Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
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 their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires 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 at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

For foreign national candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

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