Project Scientist - Multi-Facility Operando Catalysis

Position Overview:

The Chemistry and Catalysis Division at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, invites applications for a Project Scientist position focused on advancing operando X-ray spectroscopy for catalysis and electrochemical energy systems. This role will contribute to multi-facility research efforts that integrate complementary photon and neutron-based methods for probing the structure, dynamics, and functionality of working catalytic and electrochemical systems under realistic conditions.

The successful candidate will lead and coordinate operando spectroscopy activities across SSRL and partner facilities, including the Advanced Light Source (ALS), the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)¿to establish cross-correlated, dynamic insights into catalytic and electrochemical processes. Demonstrated experience in vacuum-based, soft X-ray, and/or hard X-ray methodologies will be advantageous for supporting collaborative studies across these national laboratories.

The position will play a key role in connecting experimental data with theoretical modeling and AI-driven analysis frameworks being developed under the Integrated Scientific Agentic AI for Catalysis (ISAAC) initiative. This appointment offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to high-impact, cross-laboratory science that bridges advanced characterization and data-centric discovery.

Note: This is a 1-year fixed termed appointment with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs, availability of funding, and performance.

Applicants must provide evidence of a completed PhD degree, followed by extensive postdoctoral research experience involving synchrotron radiation demonstrated through accepted or published peer-reviewed papers. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a list of publications. Supplying letters of recommendation or names to contact for reference with the application is useful, but not required.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Design and perform operando and time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy experiments across multiple national user facilities.
• Develop experimental approaches linking electronic and structural dynamics with catalytic function under realistic operating environments.
• Coordinate cross-facility studies combining soft and hard X-ray, as well as neutron-based, techniques.
• Lead data analysis, and temporal-dynamics interpretation for complex catalytic systems.
• Collaborate with computational and machine-learning teams to connect experimental observables with mechanistic descriptors.
• Contribute to standardized data workflows and metadata integration across multi-facility projects
• Publish results in high-impact journals and present findings at major conferences

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven record of operando or in-situ X-ray spectroscopy for catalytic or electrochemical systems.
• Demonstrated experience with photon-initiated spectroscopies (e.g., pump¿probe or light-driven experiments).
• Familiarity with both soft and hard X-ray techniques, including absorption, scattering, and/or photoelectron spectroscopies.
• Strong data-analysis and programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
• Publication record in catalysis, spectroscopy, or energy materials.
• Excellent collaboration and organizational skills for multi-facility coordination.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Background in cross-facility experimental programs.
• Experience working with both vacuum and ambient-pressure experimental stations via different characterization methods.
• Strong collaborative and leadership skills in multidisciplinary research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to write exceptional peer-reviewed papers
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment and under tight deadlines to meet projects milestones.

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.

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:
• 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,

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• Classification Title: Project Scientist
• Job Code: 0112
• Duration: 1-year fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $90,000 - $165,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith 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.