The Structural Molecular Biology (SMB) program at the Stanford Synchrotron
Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), Stanford University, a national user
research facility and a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator
Laboratory, has an immediate opening for a Ph.D. scientist to engage in
the development, user operations, and science of its x-ray macromolecular
crystallography synchrotron facilities. The intense x-ray radiation
produced by the SPEAR3 storage ring at SSRL is used by visiting
researchers from around the world to conduct experiments in structural
biology and other scientific fields. The SMB program supports the
development and use of five beam lines dedicated to macromolecular
crystallography and provides leading-edge technology within a
user-friendly environment. The group also supports the development and use
of a standard goniometer-based setup at the Linac Coherent Light Source
(LCLS) MFX station. The scientist will be appointed as a Stanford
University Academic Staff - Research Associate with working title
Associate Staff Scientist.
The successful candidate will be involved in development of new
instrumentation and methodologies for micro-beam diffraction studies,
serial crystallography, and room temperature crystallography at SSRL and
LCLS-MFX, and in collaborative research projects that take advantage of
these developments. Development efforts will also focus on in-situ
spectroscopic measurements using single crystals (including UV-Visible
Absorption micro-Spectrophotometry, Raman Difference Spectroscopy and
EPR). All activities will be carried out in close collaboration with other
scientists, engineers, software developers and technicians.
The successful candidate will join a strong scientific, user-support and
development team. Duties shared by all members of this group include
aligning beam line components, optimizing beam quality, testing beam line
systems, instructing users on the proper operation of beam line equipment,
training and advising users in crystallography data collection and data
processing techniques, and diagnosing and addressing problems with beam
line optics, instrumentation and software. A requirement is being
accessible to users occasionally outside of regular working hours. The
Associate Staff Scientist may also participate in the construction of new
beam line facilities and in the design, procurement, and implementation of
new or further developed beam line hardware.
Qualifications:
A Ph.D. degree in biophysics, physics, biochemistry, structural biology,
chemistry or a related field and post-doctoral experience in the use of
x-ray diffraction methods, with preference in the field of macromolecular
crystallography. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
required. The ability to work independently and in a team environment
required. The ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse
population required.
Desired Qualifications/Skills:
*Extensive experience with the use, development, and/or repair of x-ray
optics, experimental equipment and/or synchrotron radiation
instrumentation highly desirable.
*Experience in data processing and analysis of serial diffraction data and
the use of injector-based methods for sample delivery highly desirable.
*A track record of scientific productivity through publications highly
desirable.
*Experience with computer management for Linux systems, computer
programming experience using Python, C/C++, Java, or TCL/TK and scripting
languages a plus.
*Strong communication skills demonstrated through teaching roles and
invited lectures at conferences a plus.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action
employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected
veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford
also welcomes applications from others who would bring additional
dimensions to the University's research mission.
For additional information on our research activities, please visit
http://smb.slac.stanford.edu/ or contact Dr. Aina Cohen at
aco...@slac.stanford.edu. Please send your application, CV and the names
of three references with contact information to Ms. Evelyn Castaneda,
evel...@slac.stanford.edu.
