LCLS Science Research and Development (SRD) Division Leader
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Job Description
Position Overview
The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an internationally preeminent science facility operated by Stanford University at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on behalf of the Department of Energy, Office of Science. It offers world‑leading scientific capabilities to a global user community across a broad research portfolio, including energy and information transformation, microelectronics, catalysis, quantum information science, disease and drug function, inertial fusion energy materials, and more. In Fall 2027 LCLS will complete the construction of an 8 GeV superconducting linear accelerator, a multibillion‑dollar investment in high‑repetition‑rate X‑ray laser science that will make LCLS a world‑leading source across wavelengths from 5 nm to 1 Å.
Key Responsibilities
- Foster a highly collaborative, positive, respectful and inclusive culture.
- Ensure operational direction, scientific insight, and career development leadership for a ~100‑person division of research scientists. Oversee hiring, performance management, and staff development.
- Lead staff in identifying new programs (e.g., BES initiatives) and cultivating new user communities and scientific areas where LCLS can have transformative impact.
- Identify strategic scientific partners—SLAC, Stanford, national and international—and engage them to drive future LCLS science.
- Plan, commission, and exploit identified developments; establish oversight mechanisms for deployment, effectiveness, and improvement to meet evolving LCLS needs.
- Ensure the team has appropriate staff, skills, knowledge, and abilities to deliver its mission now and in the future, consistent with financial and operational constraints.
- Provide proactive strategic and operational solutions to deliver the wider LCLS/SLAC strategy as a senior member of LCLS leadership.
- Other duties as assigned by LCLS/SLAC management.
Education & Experience
- Ph.D. in a scientific or engineering field strongly related to LCLS science.
- At least 10 years of post‑Ph.D. professional experience, including extensive research or development that has been internationally recognized for major advancements.
- Substantial experience delivering complex, multi‑year technical projects.
- Extensive experience leading and managing scientific and technical research groups.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Define research frontiers and directions; innovate and apply advanced technical principles, theories, and technologies.
- Proven ability to mentor junior staff and peers with a strong focus on career development.
- Work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
- Define, prioritize, and deliver a complex portfolio of research programs.
- Interpersonal skills that secure trust of a broad research community and manage conflicts, reinforcing a respectful, inclusive, and diverse workplace.
- Successfully manage organizational and cultural change in a complex environment.
- Commitment to safety as an overarching priority.
SLAC Manager Competencies
- Team Effectiveness: Motivate team members, foster diverse collaboration, leverage strengths for overall effectiveness.
- Purpose & Vision: Articulate a clear vision of expected outcomes and inspire others to execute work plans.
- Builds Trust: Earn trust and credibility from team members, peers, and stakeholders, demonstrating SLAC values of respect and integrity.
- Relationships: Build relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve team and lab goals.
- Communication: Ensure effective information flow, deliver clear written and verbal communications, and make impactful presentations.
- Navigates Complexity: Manage complex information, demonstrate effective problem‑solving, and take appropriate action in difficult situations.
- Results Through Others: Achieve expected results by delegating and managing the work of others.
- Aligns Priorities: Plan and prioritize resources and work efforts to align with organizational goals and plans.
- Applies Lab Acumen: Maintain understanding of lab efforts and direction, consider technology and customer impacts, and contribute relevant ideas.
- Self‑Awareness: Seek feedback, take ownership, pursue continuous learning, and implement development plans.
Physical Requirements
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 this job.
Working Conditions
- May work extended hours depending on operational or research needs.
Application Requirements
- Cover letter, statement of research plans and accomplishments, curriculum vitae, list of publications, and names of three references for letters of recommendation.
- Potential applicants may contact the LCLS Director, Kelly Gaffney, at [email protected] for further discussion.
Salary and Benefits
The expected pay range for this position is $240,799 to $292,634 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary 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 scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Base pay is only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.
Classification
- Title: Senior Scientist
- Grade: N10, Job code: 1324
- Duration: Regular Continuing
Additional Information
- Promote culture of safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and values for environment, safety, and security; communicates related concerns and promotes safe behaviors. Complies with the Environmental Safety & Health Manual, Chapter 1.
- Admissions and compliance: Subject to all applicable University policies and procedures, including the Administrative Guide. As a national laboratory, SLAC complies with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and DOE Order 473.1A requiring employees to obtain and maintain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential through a federal background investigation.