Project Scientist - Laser Liason

Stanford University; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University, via SSRL and PULSE, seeks an outstanding laser scientist to develop, deploy, and operate high-power MIR laser pump capabilities for time-resolved X-ray experiments. The role bridges laser development with user-driven science and supports ultrafast research across SSRL and LCLS facilities.

The Project Scientist is a fixed-term, three-year appointment with potential extension based on needs and funding, onsite in Menlo Park, CA.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics or related field with postdoctoral experience in pump-probe measurements or ultrafast laser techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise with high-powered MIR and/or THz laser systems.
• Strong publication record and ability to communicate complex results.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with beamline staff to design, deploy, and operate high-power MIR lasers for pump-probe experiments at SSRL beamline 17-2.
• Develop robust MIR laser sources to enable new pump-probe experiments for LCLS‑II programs.
• Design, build, and characterize MIR laser systems at PULSE labs to support SSRL/LCLS research.
• Serve as System Laser Safety Officer (SLSO) for relevant laser facilities.
• Commission newly deployed systems, optimize performance, and produce user-friendly procedures and manuals.

Skills

Pump-probe measurements

Ultrafast laser systems

Nonlinear optics

Research publication record

Education

PhD in physics/optics/engineering or related field

Tools

High-powered MIR laser systems

Job description

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a SLAC Directorate at Stanford University, is a national scientific user facility providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, material science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3 GeV electron storage ring SPEAR3, the associated injector facility, and synchrotron radiation beam lines on SPEAR3.

SSRL is seeking an outstanding laser scientist to advance time-resolved X-ray science across SLAC’s photon science facilities. Time-resolved techniques are a strategic priority for SSRL, a core capability of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), and a foundational research area of the Stanford PULSE Institute, a joint SLAC–Stanford research institute within the Energy Sciences Directorate.

The successful candidate will lead the development, deployment, and operation of advanced laser pump capabilities that enable cutting-edge X-ray experiments at SSRL and LCLS. This role will bridge state-of-the-art laser research and development with user-driven X-ray science, helping expand experimental opportunities for the scientific community and supporting SLAC’s leadership in ultrafast science.

Note: The Project Scientist role is a fixed-term staff position. It is a three-year appointment beginning immediately, with the possibility of extension contingent upon project needs and funding.

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 onsite work.

Your specific responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with beamline staff to design, develop, deploy, and operate a high-power mid-infrared (MIR) laser for pump-probe experiments at SSRL beamline 17-2. Support and maintain the system during user-led pump probe experiments.
• Develop robust, high-powered MIR laser sources to enable new classes of pump-probe experiments for LCLS-II and LCLS-II-HE user programs to support forefront research in materials science and chemistry.
• Design, build, and characterize MIR laser systems at PULSE in the Arrillaga Science Center laboratories to support the development of new MIR generation schemes and integration with SSRL and LCLS research programs.
• Serves as a System Laser Safety Officer (SLSO) for relevant laser laboratories and beamlines at SSRL, LCLS, and PULSE.
• Commission newly deployed systems at SSRL and LCLS, optimize performance during initial user experiments, establish operational procedures for routine use, and provide ongoing technical consultation and troubleshooting support. Gather user feedback to guide future system enhancements and next-generation development.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. in physics, optics, condensed matter physics, engineering or related fields, with at least two years of postdoctoral experience in pump-probe measurements, ultrafast laser systems, or nonlinear optics.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-powered THz and/or MIR laser systems.
• Research/publication record commensurate with level of work experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts. Ability to write clear technical documentation and user manuals.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as work unsupervised.
• Ability to collaborate across organizations and manage/lead cross-functional efforts in a fast-paced and dynamic research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize designs and strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creative and innovating thinking.