Staff Scientist

Job Overview

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 escalate 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.

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 five references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

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, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & 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 their job.

May work extended or unusual work hours based on research and project requirements

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.

  
  
**Classification Title:** Staff Scientist
  
  
**Grade:** L
  
  
**Duration:** Regular Continuing
  
  
The expected pay range for this position is $147,112 - $274,610 per annum.
  
  
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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.
  
  
**Program Development:**  
Contributes to new applications, proposals and program development opportunities.
  
Contributes to solutions to key technical or scientific challenges critical to program/project success.
  
  
**Minimum Education and Experience Required:**  
PhD in applicable scientific discipline and 4 years of relevant experience
  
  
Responsibilities
  
  
**Summary:**  
Experienced professional capable of leading areas of research, technology, design, or facility operation.
  
Consistently demonstrates creativity and ingenuity required to remain at the scientific and technological forefront.
  
  
**Scope of Impact:**  
Sets goals, plans, directs and executes established and new research projects.
  
Demonstrated technical authority over areas of research and/or development objectives within a project, program, or facility operations.
  
  
**Knowledge and Expertise:**  
Applies scientific or technical expertise in a broad field of knowledge for several applications and has fully demonstrated grasp of related disciplines.
  
Demonstrated ability to lead focused research, technologies, design, or facility operations.
  
Demonstrated effective communication of research progress to both internal and external audiences.
  
  
**Directing Others/Supervision:**  
Directs the work of others to achieve objectives of small to moderate research programs.
  
  
**Program Development:**  
Contributes to new applications, proposals and program development opportunities.
  
Contributes to solutions to key technical or scientific challenges critical to program/project success.
  
  
**Minimum Education and Experience Required:**  
PhD in applicable scientific discipline and 4 years of relevant experience
  
  
Minimum Qualifications
  
  
Pay Range $147,112 - $274,610
  
Pay Frequency Annually
  
Fixed Term N
  
SLAC Business Area Accelerator Directorate (AD)
  
Full time or Part time Full Time
  
Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (Hybrid)
  
Job Schedule Full time
  
Regular or Temporary Regular
  
Job Category Research - Other
  
Posting Date 08/26/2026, 02:33 PM
  
Grade L
  
Job Identification 200457
  
  
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.