Science and Engineering Associate 1

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 1 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.

• 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.

Core Duties:

• Support 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.

• 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.

• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.

• 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate Degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline and three years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience applying 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 with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.

• Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check own work.

• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.

• Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.