Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Quantum Materials Research ARPES

Position Overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is seeking an Associate Staff Scientist with a strong experimental background in quantum materials research, particularly with expertise in high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), to join the Soft X-ray Group of the Materials Sciences Division. The successful candidate will focus on the development, operation, scientific user support, and in-house research program of the ARPES endstations and related X-ray capabilities at SSRL.

SSRL's capabilities at BL5-2 and BL5-4 provide world-leading high-energy-resolution ARPES in the VUV range from 7 eV to 200 eV, complemented by a 6-eV laser, enabling detailed electronic-structure studies of quantum materials and beyond. In this role, you will lead efforts to operate, maintain, and further improve the ARPES endstations at BL5. This includes improving key beamline performance, such as energy resolution and beam spot size, to expand experimental capabilities for smaller samples (e.g., thin flakes) and quantum phases with finer energy scales.

To fully leverage the high-resolution and microfocused beam, you will design and implement in-situ and operando sample environments in ultrahigh vacuum for ARPES measurements. These capabilities will expand the scientific reach of the BL5 ARPES program beyond traditional bulk single crystals to include thin films and two-dimensional materials.

The successful candidate will pursue quantum materials research with a strong emphasis on high-resolution ARPES, and will join the Soft X-ray Group, which leads research programs using other synchrotron-based tools. This position offers opportunities for innovative research and leading publications. An essential aspect of this role is to support and expand the ARPES user community at SSRL by working closely with users to design optimized experiments and develop new experimental capabilities. The candidate will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technical staff in support of SSRL¿s scientific mission and DOE research priorities.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Conduct and support quantum materials research within the Soft X-ray Group, leveraging the state-of-the-art VUV ARPES beamline at SSRL.
• Lead the development, optimization, and routine operation of the ARPES beamline and endstations in collaboration with scientific, engineering, and technical staff.
• Design and implement in-situ and operando sample capabilities for ARPES, including uniaxial strain, electric gating, and advanced sample surface preparation methods.
• Develop modern, automated data analysis tools, workflows, and software pipelines that seamlessly convert raw spectroscopic data into scientific insights, accelerating the path from data acquisition to discovery.
• Provide guidance to users on designing optimized ARPES experiments to support their research programs.
• Actively grow the ARPES user community at SSRL by engaging prospective research groups, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, and serving as the primary point of contact for general users.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive training and outreach program¿including workshops, tutorials, and documentation¿to lower the barrier to entry for new ARPES users and broaden the technique¿s accessibility.

Note: This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3 to 5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.

Applicants must hold a PhD degree or provide formal confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references for future letters of recommendation.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA. Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require on-site work.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, or related discipline, and at least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated research experience in materials science¿preferably in quantum materials¿supported by publications and experimental achievements.
• Hands-on experience and expertise with VUV/soft X-ray synchrotron-based ARPES.
• Demonstrated competence in developing, operating, and maintaining complex experimental systems, particularly those involving ultrahigh vacuum and low temperature environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

In addition, preferred qualifications include:

• Research experience in spectroscopic studies of 2D materials and epitaxially grown thin films.
• Research experience with specialized sample environments, such as uniaxial strain and electric gating.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic data analysis and programming tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Igor), with experience in advanced data analysis approaches such as AI/ML.

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:
• 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,
• 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.

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• Classification Title: Associate Staff Scientist
• Grade: K, Job code: 1092
• Duration: 3-year fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $145,411 - $173,254 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.