Science and Engineering Associate [Alonzo W Ashley Fellowship]

Req.# 6200

Alonzo W Ashley Fellowship

The Alonzo W. Ashley Fellowship Program was named in honor of Al Ashley, who retired from SLAC in 1999 after 31 years of dedicated and exemplary service, particularly in the area of championing diversity in the sciences and engineering. During his tenure at SLAC, Al pioneered programs that promoted diversity and encouraged career development for employees, and career exploration for talented students. He was a recipient of a 2005 NSF Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in recognition of his outstanding mentoring efforts and programs that enhanced the participation of historically underrepresented groups in science, mathematics, and engineering. Al served as a mentor to hundreds of emerging scientists and engineers during their journey to their chosen field.

This program is designed to provide a year-long research/employment experience in each of our six major directorates. The program is intended for post-graduate candidates with the longer-term objective of potentially moving them into regular employment with the lab.

SSRL is seeking an engineer to help design and build a 3D X-ray imaging instrument for the hard X-ray Group of the Materials Sciences Division. The primary focus of the fellowship will be to support the beamline engineers and scientists in upgrading the current micro computed tomography instrument to enable laminography (3D imaging of extended, flat samples). This will include helping implement instrument motion controls and detectors. It will also include developing or modifying existing Python code for standard data collection. The engineer may also help design and test motion control for a transmission X-ray microscope for nano computed tomography. Many of the lessons learned in the upgrade of the micro computed tomography instrument will be applied to the transmission X-ray microscope.

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a SLAC Directorate at Stanford University, is a national scientific user facility providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, material science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3 GeV electron storage ring SPEAR3, the associated injector facility, and synchrotron radiation beam lines on SPEAR3.

Note: This is a 1 year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to a regular- continuing position. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Apply engineering and technical knowledge to build and test the motion control system for the micro computed tomography instrument with support from beamline engineers. This will include interfacing scientific instrumentation or industrial controls to Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Utilize engineering, scientific, technical knowledge and practices to progress and complete milestones of projects or programs priorities or specific programmatic objectives.
• Write or modify existing Python code for data acquisition.
• Learn from beamline engineers how to use EPICS for motion control and detectors and then apply this to the instrument development.
• Learn from beamline engineers or scientists how to use SPEC for standard beamline controls and then apply this to the Python development.
• May contribute to research publications, develop engineering specifications or requirements and documentation
• Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Associate degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline, or three years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Scientific programming such as Python.
• Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize designs and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creative and innovating thinking.
• Ability to communicate effectively and timely both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists, technical staff and user groups in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and user manuals
• Strong hands-on skill in assembling complex mechanical systems and handling delicate instruments.

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 the job.

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: Science and Engineering Associate 1
• Grade: I Job code: 4991
• Duration: 1-year fixed term

The expected pay range for this position is $95,970 - $116,993 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.