Position Overview:

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a High-Level Applications Software Developer to support the Diagnostics and Applications Development Department in the Accelerator Directorate.

SLAC pushes the frontiers of human knowledge and drives discoveries that benefit humankind. Our 2-mile-long particle accelerator is the lab’s backbone. Once the scene of major discoveries in particle physics, today it generates the world’s brightest X-rays for our revolutionary X-ray laser, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS).

The Diagnostics and Applications Development Department is responsible for accelerator diagnostic systems and physics software applications. Our team develops instrumentation and high-level applications (HLAs) enabling new operating modes to explore new scientific frontiers through advanced control of electron and photon beams that require novel diagnostics and control techniques.

The successful candidate will support the user science and R&D programs at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) by deploying and maintaining software tools, data services and infrastructure, and GUIs as well as adding new capabilities, enhancing stability through automation or machine learning, and increasing overall science throughput.

This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the rapidly evolving field of high-brightness and high-power accelerator-driven x-ray sources and developing the technology needed at such facilities. The main responsibility of this role is developing physics software and user interfaces in MATLAB and Python focusing on precision control of accelerator systems and accessing and analyzing vast amounts of data.

Responsibilities will also include participation in the commissioning and operation of diagnostics systems, physics software benchmarking, and machine development studies, which will require occasional shift work.

An important aspect is effective collaboration and communication with accelerator operations, controls engineering, and many other groups at SLAC, as well as scientists at other accelerator facilities and DOE partner labs

The main responsibilities of this role are:

• Support LCLS diagnostics systems, high-level applications, and operations
• Become familiar with the operation of accelerator EPICS-based control systems and high-level application GUIs implemented in MATLAB and Python
• Responsible for the development, test, integration, and operational support for accelerator control software applications and tools
• Develop software infrastructure in support of various control sub-systems

Note: This is a 24 months fixed-term position with the possibility of extension or conversion to a regular - continuing position.

To be successful in this position you will bring the following:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or related discipline
• Familiarity with source code control such as CVS or GIT
• Programming skills with C and/or C++, Python/QT, MATLAB
• Good communication skills with independent decision making and ability to work well in a large, multi-disciplinary team focused on accelerator physics, operation and development
• Familiarity with design, development, and testing software applications
• Ability to define and solve logical problems for technical applications
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical clients
• Ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Strong problem solving skills, independent decision-making, and the ability to work in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science Degree or some work experience in a related field
• Experience with user facility operations and research and working with industrial, educational, or laboratory accelerator systems
• Experience with beam diagnostic instrumentation design, commissioning and operation
• Familiarity with Object Oriented Analysis and Design, Python, QT, GUI design, Model View Control, Design Patterns, Software Development Cycle

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 & 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 their job.
• Primarily perform desk-based computer tasks
• Occasional field work (stand/walk) in accelerator areas
• May work extended or unusual work hours based on research and project requirements

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: Entry-Level Scientist

Duration: Fixed Term

Grade: I, Job code: 1091

The expected pay range for this position is $90,000 to $145,000 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.