Staff Scientist

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA, seeks a Diagnostic Instrumentation Specialist at staff scientist level 3 to advance beam diagnostics hardware and integration in accelerator controls.

The role focuses on developing, deploying, and maintaining diagnostic tools for the LCLS and related accelerator systems, collaborating across operations, controls, and physics teams, with opportunities to contribute to R&D and machine development studies.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics/engineering with at least 4 years of accelerator systems experience.
• Proven ability to communicate results via publications and presentations.
• Strong collaboration skills in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience leading R&D and project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Support development, deployment, and operation of LCLS diagnostics.
• Define requirements and metrics for new diagnostics systems.
• Operate EPICS-based controls and high-level GUIs in MATLAB/Python.
• Document systems and prepare operator training materials.
• Participate in machine development and commissioning activities.
• Lead modernization upgrades and project execution.

Skills

Particle accelerator systems

EPICS control systems

MATLAB

Python

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

PhD degree in physics, engineering, or related field

Tools

EPICS

MATLAB

Python

Linux/Unix

Job description

Job Description

Diagnostic Instrumentation Specialist - Staff Scientist, level 3

Position Overview:

The Accelerator Directorate at SLAC National Laboratory seeks a talented Diagnostic Instrumentation Specialist with demonstrated knowledge and experience developing beam diagnostics instrumentation hardware and integration in accelerator control systems.

The successful candidate will support user science and R&D programs at the world’s most powerful x-ray free electron laser, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), by developing, deploying, and maintaining accelerator diagnostic tools and systems.

The Diagnostics and Applications Development Department is responsible for accelerator diagnostic systems and physics analysis software applications. Our team develops instrumentation and high-level applications (HLAs) enabling novel operating modes to explore new scientific frontiers. An important aspect is effective collaboration and communication with accelerator operations, controls engineering, and many other groups at SLAC, as well as scientists at other accelerator facilities and DOE partner labs.

This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the rapidly evolving field of high-power accelerator-driven x-ray sources. The main responsibility of this role is developing diagnostic instrumentation systems for precision measurement and control of linear accelerators and electron beam physics parameters.

The successful applicant is expected to actively participate in R&D aligned with the lab’s long-term goals, prepare proposals, and manage such projects. Responsibilities will also include participation in the commissioning and operation of diagnostics systems, physics application benchmarking, and machine development studies which will require occasional shift work.

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Support LCLS accelerator diagnostics systems development, deployment, and operations

• Participate and collaborate in accelerator science, beam diagnostics, and instrumentation R&D programs to enable next generation accelerator operation modes, capabilities, and technologies

• Provide design requirements, system performance metrics, and implement as needed for new accelerator and FEL diagnostics systems

• Provide expertise in the operation of accelerator EPICS-based control systems and high-level application GUIs implemented in MATLAB and Python

• Become familiar with SLAC legacy hardware and diagnostic systems for on-going maintenance and lead in modernization upgrade efforts

• Propose new ideas for FELs and their linac drivers consistent with the SLAC mission and oversee the project execution

• Participate in the development of new delivery modes, tuning, and accelerator physics studies for improved performance

• Troubleshoot issues at first level, identifying and resolving diverse technical issues as they arise, and elevate to experts as appropriate

• Document diagnostics systems, prepare operator training and instruction manuals

• Participate in machine development and commissioning accelerator control room activities; take rotations as program deputy

Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• PhD degree in physics, computer science, mathematics, engineering or related field plus minimum 4 years of relevant experience in the following:

• Working with industrial or laboratory particle accelerator systems

• Effective communication and writing skills for creating scientific presentations, authoring publications, and preparing technical documentation

• Good communication skills with independent decision making and ability to work well in a large, multi-disciplinary team focused on accelerator physics, operation and development

• Ability to define and solve logical problems for highly technical applications

• Strong background in accelerator and/or FEL physics and operation as demonstrated through publication and conference history

• Demonstrated project leadership, exceptional organizational skills, understanding of planning process, providing effective oversight and achieving milestones and goals throughout the project cycle

• Ability to learn and understand a broad range of hardware and software and lead the design of new diagnostic instrumentation systems

• Excellent data processing and analysis skills

• Flexibility to travel and work off-shift hours when required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with user facility operations and research.

• Demonstrated success in proposing and leading independent R&D programs

• Experience with beam diagnostic instrumentation design, commissioning and operation

• Experience with DOE funded national laboratory research and Office of Science missions

• Experience with high-level programming of data acquisition and analysis in MATLAB and/or Python including scripting in Linux/Unix

• Experience with Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS)

• Knowledge of other key technical systems required for operation such as vacuum and precision alignment/motion systems, low-level RF and high, pulsed-power RF systems

• Knowledge of superconducting RF technology including cryogenic systems

SLAC 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