Project Scientist - Microreactor Chip Based Sample Delivery

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA, seeks a Project Scientist to lead segmented-flow microreactor development for high-throughput, time-resolved X-ray studies. You will integrate droplet-based microfluidics with LCLS systems, working hands-on across design, fabrication, and experiments at LCLS and SSRL.

The role involves collaboration with Stanford and SLAC teams, rapid prototyping, SOPs, safety, and data-driven reporting on biological science experiments using novel

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Engineering (biomedical, electrical, mechanical, etc.) or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with microfluidics, millifluidics, and microfabrication.
• Hands-on experience with fluid handling hardware (syringe pumps, pressure controllers, fittings and tubing).
• Ability to lead experiments independently and rapidly prototype new techniques.
• Experience with optical diagnostics (high-speed imaging, fluorescence microscopy) and quantitative image analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and iterate segmented-flow microreactor prototypes (PDMS, glass, chips).
• Build and operate microfluidic platform with pumps, controllers, and tubing for multiphase flows.
• Characterize droplets and mixing using high-speed imaging and analysis.
• Conduct offline reaction/transport experiments; collect and analyze kinetic data.
• Support LCLS User science operations and documentation of SOPs and safety procedures.

Skills

Microfluidics

Microfabrication

Fluid handling

Experimental leadership

Prototyping

Imaging analytics

Python/MATLAB

Education

PhD in Engineering/Science

Tools

Syringe pumps

Pressure controllers

Fluorescence imaging

Image analysis

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a DOE national user facility operated by Stanford University, seeks a Project Scientist to lead development of segmented-flow droplet microreactors for high-throughput, time-resolved X‑ray studies of transient chemical and biological processes. This project will enable new science in gas/liquid/solid catalysis, gas/liquid and liquid/liquid mixing, and nucleation studies relevant to pharmaceuticals, energy storage materials, and greenhouse‑gas remediation.

Position Overview

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a DOE national user facility operated by Stanford University, seeks a Project Scientist to lead development of segmented-flow droplet microreactors for high-throughput, time-resolved X‑ray studies of transient chemical and biological processes. This project will enable new science in gas/liquid/solid catalysis, gas/liquid and liquid/liquid mixing, and nucleation studies relevant to pharmaceuticals, energy storage materials, and greenhouse‑gas remediation.

The Project Scientist will work closely with the Sample Environment and Delivery team to integrate droplet‑based microfluidic technologies into LCLS's existing liquid‑jet delivery systems, ensuring compatibility with upcoming LCLS‑II‑HE operating modes. The role involves hands‑on device design and fabrication, benchtop characterization (high‑speed imaging, mixing/transport diagnostics), and experimental support at LCLS and SSRL. Additionally, the candidate will support LCLS User operations relevant to biological science experiments where the novel microfluidic techniques can be leveraged. The position involves close collaboration with SLAC and Stanford teams for microfabrication, rapid prototyping, and systems integration, as well as documenting standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and experimental results.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

Your Impact

• Design, fabricate, and iterate designs of segmented‑flow microreactor prototypes (PDMS, glass, commercial chips).
• Build and operate the microfluidic platform to characterize device performance: syringe/pressure pumps, controllers, valves, fittings, and tubing for multiphase flows.
• Characterize droplets and mixing with high‑speed imaging, fluorescence, and quantitative image analysis.
• Run offline reaction and transport experiments (gas/liquid, liquid/liquid, particle suspensions); collect and analyze kinetic/transport data.
• Support and enable LCLS User science operations.
• Maintain experimental records, SOPs, safety documentation, and inventory of consumables.
• Collaborate with microfabrication engineers and vendors for rapid prototyping and materials selection.
• Contribute to data reduction, figure generation, technical reports, and manuscripts.

Note

The Project Scientist role is a fixed term staff position. This is a 2-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• Ph.D. in Engineering (biomedical, electrical, mechanical, etc.), Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with microfluidics, millifluidics, and microfabrication.
• Hands‑on experience with fluid handling hardware: syringe pumps, pressure controllers, fittings, and tubing.
• Ability to lead experiments independently.
• Ability to rapidly prototype and test new techniques
• Experience with development of optical diagnostics (high‑speed imaging, basic fluorescence microscopy) and quantitative image analysis.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer‑reviewed publications.
• Strong experimental troubleshooting, record keeping, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel and participate in beamline experiments at SSRL and LCLS as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.

In Addition, Preferred Requirements Include

• Prior experience with experiments at X‑ray light sources (synchrotron or XFEL), or familiarity with X‑ray sample‑delivery constraints.
• Microfabrication skills: soft lithography (PDMS), glass etching, metal deposition, or chip assembly.
• Experience developing complex sample delivery systems, particularly supporting droplet based techniques as well as liquid jets.
• Experience working with multiphase flows, gas‑liquid microreactors, or solid suspensions in microchannels.
• Experience with vacuum or helium‑environment sample handling, and safe handling of hazardous reagents.
• Programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW).

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, team 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.
• May work extended hours during peak business cycles.
• The ability to travel to synchrotron and XFEL facilities around the world to perform experiments is required.
• Given the nature of this position, onsite work is required.

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.

Responsibilities

Minimum Education and Experience Required: MS degree or currently pursuing a PhD, with years of experience determined by the position level and project needs.