Science and Engineering Associate 2

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/.

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 Educationand 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.