Lead Scientist

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory invites applications for the MEC Department Head, a leadership role within the LCLS program. You will shape high-energy-density science strategies, oversee a broad research portfolio, and align MEC capabilities with the DOE Fusion Energy Roadmap.

This position requires directing staff, engaging with national laboratories and academia, and advancing instrument development and user programs.

Qualifications

• Experience leading scientific projects and technical teams.
• Proven track record in high-energy-density science or related fields.
• Strong communication and collaboration across multi-institution teams.

Responsibilities

• Advocate MEC science internally and externally and set strategic directions.
• Lead development of MEC instrument roadmap and alignment with LCLS-II-HE.
• Coordinate with SRD and operations to ensure efficient experiment execution.
• Foster staff development and mentor junior scientists and postdocs.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mentorship

Strategic planning

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an internationally preeminent science facility, operated by Stanford University at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science. This facility provides world-leading scientific capabilities to a global user community, covering a very broad research portfolio that includes the investigation of advanced materials and chemical catalysts for clean energy systems, drug discovery for modern pharmaceuticals, and fundamental studies of extreme states of matter.

Position Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a pivotal time for LCLS, and a rare opportunity to shape the scientific nature and direction of the facility. We have entered the LCLS-II era, a new accelerator complex that will increase the X-ray repetition rate and average power of the facility by up to four orders of magnitude. A subsequent upgrade to enable the delivery of high-energy X-rays (LCLS-II-HE) is also underway, opening the study of rare, transient, and heterogeneous systems with atomic spatial resolution and femtosecond precision. The Science Research and Development (SRD) division at LCLS comprises six departments, each aligned to a major research area (Bioscience, Material Science, Chemical Science, Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Science, Laser Science, and Matter in Extreme Conditions), to enable an integrated approach to scientific exploitation of LCLS. This posting is for the MEC Department Head; the opening comes at an important time for the field. MEC combines the unique hard X-ray capabilities of LCLS with high-energy laser drivers to create and probe matter at extreme temperatures and pressures. This enables research across a broad scientific landscape including high-energy-density science, laboratory astrophysics, plasma physics, shock-driven material science, and fundamental studies of warm dense matter. MEC is operated with funding from both the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences and the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), reflecting its position at the intersection of fundamental high-energy-density science and applied fusion energy research. The field of high-energy-density science is experiencing rapid growth, driven in particular by the national imperative toward inertial fusion energy (IFE). With fusion ignition demonstrated and significant momentum building across the public and private sectors, there is an urgent need for precision measurements of plasmas and material properties and components at fusion-relevant conditions. LCLS, coupled with next-generation high-power laser drivers, offers a unique national platform for this science; it can provide high-fidelity validation of target physics, laser-matter coupling, and materials behaviour that is not available elsewhere. The MEC Department Head will play a central role in defining SLAC's engagement with the IFE community and the broader DOE Fusion Energy Roadmap, while continuing to advance the full breadth of MEC's high-energy-density science mission. MEC is a vital element of SLAC's broader High Energy Density Science and Technology (HED S&T) initiative, and the Department Head will contribute to this laboratory-wide effort by ensuring that MEC's scientific strategy and capabilities are aligned with its goals.

The MEC Department Head will develop an LCLS vision and strategy for high-energy-density science at MEC, informed by deep engagement with the research community spanning national laboratories, academia, and the private fusion energy sector. This strategy will be executed through collaboration with the user community, coupled to new developments in LCLS-II-HE hardware, high-power laser technologies, target delivery systems, advanced diagnostics, and data science methods. The MEC Department Head will lead a team of staff scientists within the department provide broader leadership to other staff, students, and postdocs across SLAC, Stanford, and the wider community whose research is aligned with LCLS, or where there is the potential for engagement in the future. A key priority is working closely with the MEC Instrument Lead to ensure a high-impact general user science program at the MEC instrument. The role includes supporting the career development of members of the department, outreach to the scientific community, lowering the barrier to new users, and partnering with the operations division to facilitate successful experiments that ensure the most impactful use is made of the facility. The position reports to the SRD Division Director.

Note: This is a regular-continuing position at the Lead Scientist level. Appointment at this level requires evaluation of the candidate's scientific achievements by a review committee. Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

Specific responsibilities include:

Scientific Goals:

• Advocate for and represent the MEC science area inside and outside of LCLS and SLAC.
• Work with the wider LCLS team and user community to identify prioritized research directions for high-energy-density science at LCLS that will deliver internationally leading results at a scale commensurate with the level of investment and ambition of our laboratory and sponsors. This includes the identification of major facility developments, community-wide experimental campaigns, and the use of in-house beam time and research activities.
• Engage the LCLS user community and the broader high-energy-density science and fusion energy communities, including our staff, the local SLAC/Stanford research teams, and relevant funding agencies, to solicit advice and active engagement in LCLS scientific objectives, operations, and development.
• Reach out to the wider research community, including the growing private inertial fusion energy sector, to inform and expand the user base for LCLS to ensure long-term alignment to the most compelling scientific objectives.
• Serve as the principal investigator or co-principal investigator for DOE Fusion Energy Sciences-funded research activities at MEC, maintaining productive relationships with FES program managers and ensuring alignment between MEC capabilities and FES programmatic priorities.
• Generate and develop advanced scientific or technical capabilities in a broad field of knowledge for several applications, demonstrating a full grasp of related disciplines.
• Lead focused research, technologies, design, or facility operations with creativity and innovation.

Facility Operations:

• Support and optimize the scientific role of LCLS in the design, planning, safe execution, analysis, and publication of users' experiments.
• Work with the MEC Instrument Lead to ensure that the scientific priorities of the department are reflected in experiment planning and execution, and that instrument scientists are effectively engaged in delivering the experimental program.
• Coordinate with SRD and Operations management for experiment and project planning, including allocation of experiment staff, to maintain scientific excellence while optimizing experimental efficiency.
• Arbitrate any proposed changes to the scope of planned or ongoing experiments to optimize scientific impact consistent with operational constraints and the decisions of our peer-review process.

Facility Development:

• Work with the MEC Instrument Lead to advance the MEC instrument development plan. This comprehensive roadmap spans high-power laser systems, X-ray diagnostics and detectors, target delivery technologies, and data analysis capabilities; the MEC Department Head ensures its alignment with the scientific strategy and evolving needs of the user community.
• Work with SRD leadership and LCLS/SLAC management to plan, deliver, commission, and exploit facility developments, and establish appropriate mechanisms for oversight of optimized deployment, ongoing effectiveness, and future improvement.
• Drive operational robustness and efficiency of the MEC instrument to maximize scientific productivity and return on investment.
• Define the MEC upgrade path in the context of the LCLS-II-HE era, including next-generation high-energy, high-repetition-rate laser drivers and associated diagnostic and target delivery infrastructure, aligned with the DOE Fusion Energy Roadmap and broader national programs. Coordinate with SLAC's HED S&T initiative to ensure MEC developments are integrated with the laboratory's overall strategy for fusion science and technology.
• Engage the scientific community to build consensus on priorities and technical requirements for future MEC capabilities, including through workshops, user meetings, and sustained partnerships with national laboratories, universities, and the private sector.

Staff Development:

• Work with other Department Heads and the SRD Division Director to drive the continual development of in-house scientific excellence, innovation, and adventure in our scientific and technical staff.
• Ensure the MEC Department has the appropriate staff, skills, knowledge, and abilities to deliver its mission both now and in the future, consistent with financial and operational constraints.
• Report to and work with the SRD Division Director to appoint group leaders within the Department where appropriate.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration within and between departments, across LCLS/SLAC divisions, and with external partners to maximize scientific impact.
• Develop and promote the diverse career trajectories of all SRD staff, ensuring opportunities for professional growth.
• Support all aspects of hiring, performance management, and staff development.
• Manage research funding for the Department.
• Foster a highly collaborative, positive and respectful culture in all aspects of our work.
• Other duties as assigned by LCLS/SLAC management.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

Ph.D. In Physics, Plasma Physics, Or a Related Relevant Area Of Science And a Minimum Of 8 Years Of Experience Including

• Experience leading and managing scientific projects and technical groups.
• Proven record of research achievements in high energy-density science, laser-matter interactions, or a closely related field, as demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, or equivalent contributions.
• Demonstrated body of research, development, or applied work that is internationally acknowledged to have defined major advancements in research.
• Experience in mentoring junior staff, PhD students, postdocs, and peers, with a strong focus on career development.
• Demonstrated excellence in communicating research progress to both internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams and to actively mentor staff.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Interpersonal skills that can secure the trust of a broad research community and manage any conflicts in a manner that reinforces SLAC's values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, respect, and creativity.
• Proven ability to adapt and lead effectively in dynamic and evolving organizational contexts.
• Commitment to safety (physical and psychological) as an overarching priority.

SLAC Manager Competencies:

• Team Effectiveness: Effectively motivates team members and fosters a diverse and collaborative team environment; leverages team members' strengths for overall team effectiveness; incorporates insights to improve team operations.
• Purpose & Vision: Articulates a clear vision of expected outcomes; inspires others to execute work plans and feel a sense of purpose and ownership for the mission.
• Builds Trust: Earns trust and credibility from team members, peers and stakeholders; demonstrates SLAC values of respect and integrity.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve team, department/directorate and lab goals.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences; delivers clear and appropriate written and verbal communications; makes clear and impactful presentations to a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Navigates Complexity: Manages a multitude of information and complex circumstances to discern what is most important; demonstrates effective problem-solving, decision-making, and takes appropriate action, even in difficult situations or with conflicting data.
• Results through Others: Achieves expected results by effectively delegating and managing the work of others.
• Aligns Priorities: Ensures planning and prioritization of resources and work efforts; ensures alignment of direct and matrix reports to support organizational goals and business plans.
• Applies Lab Acumen: Maintains understanding of lab efforts and direction as well as current research and trends, considers technology and customer impacts, and contributes relevant, informed ideas to lab growth.
• Self-Awareness: Seeks feedback from others and takes ownership of, and actions to address what is learned; recognizes impact on others and adjusts as needed; pursues continuous learning opportunities; implements a meaningful development plan.

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

Summary

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leader who has consistently demonstrated establishing or leading research programs, projects, groups, or mission critical systems that are essential to meeting the scientific and operational goals of the laboratory.

Scope Of Impact

Provides leadership identifying, promoting, and developing core laboratory capabilities, influencing future scientific or technical direction of the laboratory.

Delivers research or technology objectives with high distinction.

Knowledge And Expertise

Generates and develops advanced scientific or technical capabilities in a broad field of knowledge for several applications and has fully demonstrated grasp of related disciplines.

Consistently leads focused research, technologies, design, or facility operations with creativity and innovation.

Demonstrated excellence in communicating research progress to both internal and external audiences.

Directing Others/Supervision

Demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams and to actively mentor staff.

Program Development

Generates new applications, programs or proposals and leads their development.

Generates solutions to key technical or scientific challenges critical to program/project success.

Minimum Education And Experience Required

PhD in applicable scientific discipline and 8 years of relevant experience

About Us

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery. Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing and the development of next-generation accelerators.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

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.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.

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 Identify 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.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the 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 PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.