Job Opportunities

September 2012:

The Structural Molecular Biology (SMB) Group of Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL, a Directorate of SLAC) has an opening for a Beam Line Scientist. This position will participate in a large user support team that provides expert technical & methodological support for scientific experiments at seven highly-automated macromolecular crystallography beam lines. Research facilities include x-ray optics, automated crystallography instrumentation, and state-of-the-art x-ray detectors.

Specific responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

1) Beamline optimization including the alignment of beam line optics and instrumentation; 2) user training and support during experiments; 3) troubleshooting, testing, documenting optics, and instrumentation; 4) development of new instrumentation and methodologies; 5) backup Systems Manager role for Linux systems; 6) Dissemination/tours of facilities. Up to 15% time may be dedicated to scientific collaborations. All activities will be carried out in close collaboration with other scientists, engineers, software developers and technicians. Applicants must be willing to provide user support outside of regular hours.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Ph.D. in physics, biochemistry, chemistry or a related field.
  • Must have experience in X-ray scattering methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand the functionality of beam line optics and instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to work well in a research environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience in macromolecular or small molecule crystallography.
  • Experience with the use, development, documentation and/or repair of x-ray optics, experimental equipment and/or synchrotron radiation instrumentation.
  • Skills in mechanical design, electronics design or software development.
  • Experience with computer management for Linux systems.
  • Computer programming experience using C/C++, Java, or TCL/TK and scripting languages.

To apply, please use the SLAC job page. For further inquiries please contact Ana Gonzalez (ana@slac.stanford.edu) or Mike Soltis (soltis@slac.stanford.edu).