Staff Scientist - Accelerator Physics (SLAC/SSRL)
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Job summary
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA, invites applications for Staff Scientist - Accelerator Physics (SLAC/SSRL). The role focuses on maintaining and upgrading SPEAR3, designing future light sources, and collaborating with SSRL photon scientists.
You will lead design studies, run simulations of storage ring dynamics, perform accelerator physics measurements during machine development, and contribute to research that advances photon science.
Qualifications
- PhD in accelerator physics or related field, or equivalent experience with 4+ years in accelerator and storage ring physics.
- Knowledge of storage ring physics including linear and nonlinear beam optics and lattice design.
- Hands-on accelerator expertise to diagnose problems during operations.
- Ability to conduct independent and innovative research.
- Experience with computer modeling codes and strong programming skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication to document research.
- Dependability and personal responsibility to deliver results.
- Initiative and proactive work attitude.
- Adaptability to changing conditions.
- Effective communication across audiences; build relationships.
- Sound decision-making and self-development.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and improve the SPEAR3 storage ring and its injector.
- Pursue new directions for improving SSRL accelerator performance.
- Participate in accelerator physics measurements during machine development periods.
- Lead design studies for a future next generation light source; simulate and optimize storage ring dynamics.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Position overview:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's SPEAR3 is one of the four US Department of Energy synchrotron light sources - electron storage rings dedicated to producing brilliant X-ray beams. SPEAR3 serves Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a national user facility with a long history of utilizing synchrotron radiation for multi-disciplinary experiments.
We are seeking an Accelerator Physicist to join our Accelerator Physics Group within the SSRL Accelerator Division. This group's responsibilities include:
- Physics support for the maintenance and operation of the SSRL accelerator complex, which includes an RF electron gun, 120-MeV linear accelerator, a 10-Hz cycling booster synchrotron to accelerate electrons from 120 MeV to 3 GeV, and the main SPEAR3 storage ring that emits x-ray synchrotron radiation from bend magnets, wigglers and undulators.
- Propose and help design, manage, and execute upgrades of the existing SSRL accelerators to improve their performance and/or reliability.
- Design a next generation storage ring as a future source to serve the SSRL photon science community.
This is an exciting time for the SSRL accelerator team. The Accelerator Physics Group is exploring options for a next generation light source for SSRL. We are investigating which technologies to push to enhance performance of a future light source beyond sources currently in operation or construction. We are working closely with SSRL photon scientists to establish a strong scientific case for a new SSRL light source.
Your specific responsibilities include:
- Contribute to the Accelerator Physics Group ongoing effort to maintain and improve the performance of the SPEAR3 storage ring and its injector.
- Propose and pursue new directions for improving performance of SSRL accelerator performance.
- Participate in accelerator physics measurements and experiments during our regularly scheduled machine development periods.
- Take a leading role in design studies for a future next generation light source for SSRL. This work will include simulations and optimization of linear and nonlinear storage ring dynamics.
- Other duties may also be assigned.
Note: The Staff Scientist level is a regular-continuing position and requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievements. 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.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
- A PhD in accelerator physics or related field or equivalent experience with minimum 4 years of relevant experience in accelerator and storage ring physics.
- Comprehensive knowledge of storage ring physics including linear and nonlinear beam optics and lattice design.
- Hands-on accelerator expertise, including the ability to quickly diagnose problems that develop with the accelerators during operations.
- Capability of innovative and independent research.
- Demonstrated expertise with computer modeling codes as well as strong programming skills.
- Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to clearly document scientific research and projects.
- Dependability: Can be relied upon 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, maintain 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.
- 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.
Physical requirements and Working conditions:
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, SLAC 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 internal and external stakeholders and clients.
- 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.
- Classification : Staff Scientist
- Job Code : 1093, Grade : L
- Duration Regular continuing
The expected pay range for this position is $175,461 - $207,470 per annum
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.
- Fixed Term N
- SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
- Locations Menlo Park, CA, United States
- Job Schedule Full time
- Regular or Temporary Regular
- Job Category Research - Other
- Posting Date 03/26/2026, 12:00 AM
- Grade L
- Job Identification 6693
Be the first to know about job openings and updates.
18+ PTO days per year
Health benefits start when you start
Flexible work options
$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance
403k plan
Mental health and wellness programs
Free and discounted commuter transportation
Applies to regular full-time positions.
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.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires 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.
For foreign national candidates
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for 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 credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
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