Research Associate – Quantum Materials Research

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, seeks a Research Associate with a strong background in quantum materials research and experience with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) or closely related techniques.

This is a joint appointment with the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES). In this position, you will have the opportunity to participate in frontier research on quantum materials utilizing the state-of-the-art ARPES facility at SSRL and publish lead-author manuscripts. You will also have the opportunity to make important contributions to the user research program through supporting general user experiments and developing advanced ARPES instruments and new experimental capabilities.

Your specific responsibilities include: 

• Design ARPES experiments for studying quantum materials.

• Upgrade and maintain existing ARPES endstations.

• Work with external user groups to support their experiments.

• Develop new experimental capabilities.

Note: The Research Associate role is a fixed term staff position. This is a two-year appointment beginning immediately, with the possibility of extension that is contingent upon project needs and funding.

Applicants must provide either a completed PhD degree or confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a statement of research area, including a brief summary of accomplishments, and a curriculum vitae.  Supplying letters of recommendation or names of contacts for reference with the application is useful but not required.

To be successful in this position, you will bring: 

• Ph.D. in physics, materials sciences, applied physics, or a related discipline.
• Research experience in the field of materials physics, preferably in quantum materials.
• Strong background and experience with ARPES or closely related techniques.
• Demonstrated competence in operating and maintaining complex experimental systems.
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.

In addition, preferred requirements include: 

• Experience in thin film growth.
• Experience in the fabrication of thin flake devices.
• Experience in performing experiments and data analysis utilizing AI/ML. 

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. 

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   

Responsibilities