Science and Engineering Associate 2

Job Overview

Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Operations is seeking Science and Engineering Associates to join our team and provide leadership and support to scientific instruments and experiments. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is a science Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. LCLS is the world’s first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL). LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself. A suite of 10 instruments for exploiting the unique LCLS scientific capabilities has been produced.

The Science and Engineering Associate is responsible for coordinating efforts among many diverse groups, provide direct technical expertise in support of our science program and our Users from around the globe. Science and Engineering Associates Level 2 provide Work Planning and Control support while working with Scientists, Technicians and Engineers responsible for the configuration of the facility. The Science and Engineering Associate will be a key Technical member of one or multiple teams in charge of instruments and play an important role in maintenance, development and deployment of experiment specific systems as well as any upgrades to the systems. In this key role a fundamental knowledge of Mechanical, Vacuum, Lasers and Controls systems is required. You will support operations involving multiple disciplines utilized in research and experimental activities. This position reports to the LCLS Technical Associate Support Department within the LCLS Experimental Operations Division.

Your specific responsibilities include:
Participate in technical research utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, specimens, plans, designs, reports, and/or data analysis.

Leadership responsibilities overseeing technicians and/or support staff in daily work.

Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.

Support scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze requirements, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.

Manage, modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems.

Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing.

Coordinate and work on scientific or engineering installations; plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedule of equipment operations, and supervise routine maintenance.

Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects.

Maintain documentation related to research studies and protocols, and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems associated with research or engineering projects, as assigned.

Oversee the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.

Become familiar with the details of the instrument(s) in respect to controls and vacuum systems.

Diagnose and resolve any problems that may arise with the instruments’ controls and vacuum delivery systems, or troubleshoot issues at a first level and identify tasks requiring expert knowledge.

Interact with and assist instrument scientists and users from across the world in the preparation for operations of their specific instruments.

Manage the installation, and ensure operation of new hardware-components, and instrumentation.

Order, schedule, coordinate, and supervise the work of technicians and support staff.

Participate in the planning, procurement and installation cycles for new projects and installation.

Perform other related activities as directed by the Experimental Operations Manager.

Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this position you will bring:
Bachelors’ degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline, or five years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.

Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.

Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.

Experience overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/

Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.

Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.

Certifications and Licenses:
A valid California non-commercial driver’s license and a good driving record.

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, 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.

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 policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:
Support complex scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.

Collaborate with scientists, engineers, or senior administrative officers to oversee complex non-routine analyses, select optimum solutions, and perform corrective modifications to equipment and system designs.

Carry out all activities, including troubleshooting and resolving routine problems for scientist or engineers, independently.

Collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to design and develop special purpose equipment and/or systems.

Participate in the planning, design, and implementation of scientific or engineering initiatives, and work toward project objective.

Oversee a laboratory space or unit and supervise the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.

Serve as a resource in review of research proposals and research capabilities and make recommendations.

Establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.

Develop training manuals and safety guidelines, and train new instrumentation users, researchers, and/or technical staff.

Perform supervisory duties, including overseeing the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/project, supervising the regular installation, maintenance, and operation of complex scientific or engineering projects, and training technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or related field and three years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated knowledge and skills of advanced scientific or engineering principles and practices.

Demonstrated experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and performing special technical services involving both development and performance.

In-depth experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.

Ability to independently oversee and manage instrumentation or system installation.

Ability to collaborate with senior engineering and scientific staff to design and develop special purpose equipment and/or systems.

Experience overseeing the plan, design, and implementation of major scientific or engineering initiatives and ensuring project objectives are met.

Demonstrated ability to review research proposals, evaluate research capabilities, and make recommendations.

Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.

Experience overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.

Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Pay Range $88,931-$166,004

Pay Frequency Annually

Fixed Term N

SLAC Business Area Linac Coherent Light Source Directorate (LCLS)

Full time or Part time Full Time

Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (On-site)

Job Schedule Full time

Regular or Temporary Regular

Job Category Research

Posting Date 08/25/2026, 02:50 AM

Grade J

Job Identification 200748

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

World-class exercise facilities

$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.