Research Associate - Hard X-ray Spectroscopy (SSRL)

Position overview:

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 the application of advanced spectroscopy (EXAFS, XANES, XES, HERFD-XAS) methods to biological and homogeneous systems.

In this position, you will work within a rich scientific environment at SLAC, Stanford University focusing on hard X-ray spectroscopy methods and on science relevant to the mission of the DOE Basic Energy Sciences. You will have the opportunity to participate in projects relevant to biological metalloenzyme catalysis, working closely with SSRL staff members involved in metalloenzyme structure function correlations. Through this effort, you will collaboratively utilize spectroscopy and computational analysis tools to enhance understanding of key biological catalysts. You will also have the opportunity to publish joint-author manuscripts.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Work collaboratively with SSRL scientists performing biological X-ray measurements.
• Write proposals to obtain beamtime at various US and international lightsources and assist in data-collection on biological systems including but not limited to the enzymes involved in the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway.
• Perform DFT, TD-DFT and other advanced theoretical calculations on the metalloenzyme active sites to correlate to X-ray spectra and to develop a mechanistic understanding of enzymatic catalysis.

Note: The Research Associate role is a fixed term staff position. This is a 1-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

Applicants must provide evidence of a PhD degree. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a statement on a research area including brief summary of accomplishments and a curriculum vitae. Supplying letters of recommendation or names to contact for reference with the application is also useful.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• PhD in biology, structural biology, biogeochemistry, or related field, with demonstrated coursework or research experience in coupling theoretical methods to synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy and its applications in biology research.
• Strong background and experiences in structural biological, theoretical methods (mainly DFT).
• Strong expertise in other theoretical methods such as MD simulations and methods for simulating hard x-ray based core-level spectroscopy.
• Demonstrated research experience as evidenced by a publication record.
• Willingness to learn any knowledge/experience gaps.
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communications skills and ability to work/communicate effectively with a diverse biology research community.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Motivation to form strong multi-institute collaborations.

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.
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

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:
• 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,

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• Classification Title: Research Assoc-Experimental
• Grade: G, Job code: 0127
• Employment Duration: Fixed term ¿ 1 year

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.