Intern - LCLS User Administration

Stanfordlivetickets; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly compensation

Mentorship program

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park invites students to join the LCLS internship program, working on real-world laboratory projects in an international user facility. You will contribute to instrument development, data analysis, and experiment support.

Applicants must be enrolled in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, or related field, with problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science or related field.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with instrument design and timing jitter measurements.
• Support development of optical and diagnostic systems.
• Contribute to data analysis and interpretation of experiments.
• Assist with maintenance of experimental equipment and documentation.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Education

Enrollment in engineering/physics/chemistry/biology/computer science or related field

Job description

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Lab is the world’s first hard X-ray free electron laser. LCLS produces pulses of X-rays more than a billion times brighter than the most powerful existing synchrotron sources. Scientists use these highly focused, intense beams of X-rays to reveal the identity and arrangement of atoms in a wide range of materials. The tiny wavelength of X-rays enables study of the arrangement of atoms in metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, catalysts, plastics, and biological molecules. The ultrashort duration of these X-ray pulses can capture images of atoms and molecules in motion. LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself.

Example laboratory projects from previous internships:

• Design of instrument and measurement of the timing jitter between ultrafast laser pulses.
• Development of a non-linear optical system for high-contrast laser pulses.
• Development of multi-photon pulse-width diagnostic.
• Micro-machining capillaries for deep-UV jet sources.
• Design and construction of an ultra-high vacuum experimental chamber for attoscience experiments.
• Characterization of reflectivity and dispersion characteristics of optical coatings.
• ASIC development for high-speed X-ray detectors.
• Characterization of a pulsed sample delivery system for X-ray protein crystallography.
• Characterization of saturable absorption properties of laser safety glass.
• Characterization of beam pointing stabilization system.

Example programming/modeling projects from previous internships:

• Analysis of data from LCLS experiments on X-ray interactions with diatomic molecules.
• Modeling of ultrafast laser propagation through dispersive media.
• Modeling of THz generation by coherent transition radiation.
• Implementation of on-line data analysis algorithms for LCLS experiments.
• Interfacing centralized data acquisition system with laser timing system.
• Analysis of publication data to determine scientific productivity of facility.

Opportunities and Benefits:

• Great experience for students seeking real-world experience in a scientific and research environment.
• Engage with students and staff in the multidisciplinary Stanford/SLAC scientific community.
• Develop a network of mentors and colleagues.

Note: This is an hourly, non-benefits eligible temporary-nonexempt, internship position. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age and currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated and have US work authorization.

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:

• Must be currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science or related field.
• Problem-solving and analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments.

SLAC employee 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.

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.