[ccp4bb] LCLS Project Scientist for Sample Delivery Posting

[Hunter, Mark Steven]

Job ID 
4077
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) is one of the world’s premier 
research laboratories, providing an internationally leading capability in the 
form of its accelerator based light sources and its science programs. The Linac 
Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a directorate of SLAC and the world’s first hard 
x-ray free electron laser, seeks a Research Associate with a background in 
sample introduction for serial data collection to join the Sample Environment 
and Delivery group within the LCLS Hard X-Ray department. Members of this 
department are responsible for developing new instrumentation and methods as 
well as performing innovative ultrafast experiments using hard x-ray beams from 
LCLS. The SED Department specifically focuses on sample preparation, 
characterization and delivery.
Please Note – due to COVID-19 related curtailment of on-site activities, the 
job duties for this position will be required to be performed from home until 
full site-access is restored.
In this position, you will primarily support the development and integration of 
methods for sample introduction of biological samples at LCLS and will also 
support the user experiment program. You will participate in and contribute to 
efforts involving the characterization and testing of sample introduction 
methods for solutions and suspensions as well as help to automate sample 
introduction at the LCLS beam lines. You will have the opportunity to 
collaborate with researchers at SLAC and Stanford University working on 
simulations and theoretical frameworks of the underlying physics. The 
successful candidate should be curious, motivated and self-driven.
Note: The position is a 2 year fixed term with the possibility of renewal. 
Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.
To be successful in this position you will bring:

  *   A Ph.D. (or its equivalent in research skill and subject knowledge) in 
physics, engineering, biochemistry, or related field in demonstrated coursework 
and research experience with sample preparation, characterization and delivery. 
(Candidates currently pursuing a PhD or recently graduated with relevant 
post-graduate research background are encouraged to apply)
  *   Experience with sample introduction for serial data collection at x-ray 
sources.
  *   Demonstrated experience as evidenced by a publication record commensurate 
with level of work experience.
  *   Ability to carry out independent research.
  *   Strong analytical and experimental skills.
  *   Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  *   Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
In addition, preferred requirements and experience include:

  *   User facility operations and research.
  *   X-ray crystallography, especially serial methods.
  *   X-ray scattering techniques.
  *   Script writing and data analysis using Python
  *   Experience in automation
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. May work extended 
hours during peak business cycles. The ability to travel to synchrotron and 
XFEL facilities around the world to perform experiments
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
  

[ccp4bb] NIH+DOE request for information for advancing high resolution bioimaging technologies

[Hunter, Mark Steven]

The LCLS at SLAC National Accelerator 
Laboratory is reaching out to the biological 
research community in the context of an NIH-DOE request for 
information (RFI) 
on “strategies to advance the utility of high resolution bioimaging 
technologies that already exist and that need to be created.”

Current instruments at LCLS provide unique capabilities for characterizing 
biological samples at high spatial and temporal resolution allowing key insight 
into structural features or to reveal macromolecular dynamics and energy 
landscapes at ambient temperatures. We wish to address how to further your 
research using the unique capabilities offered by LCLS.

In the context of the RFI, we would appreciate answers to a few specific 
questions:


  *   What biological research in your area of expertise could be advanced with 
LCLS and could drive priorities for new Capabilities?



  *   What are the current gaps and/or challenges with LCLS instruments that 
limit their impact on your research or on the broader area of bioscience?



  *What scientific, methodological, engineering or operational barriers 
limit the use of LCLS by your team or your community?

or we encourage you to directly respond to the RFI 
itself.

Independently of the RFI, we would like to hear your suggestions, both to 
inform immediate term actions such as for the current call for coronavirus 
beamtime, 
and to inform priorities for longer term developments and targeted access to 
LCLS.

We will be happy to discuss this in detail with you or answer any questions 
related to this RFI and LCLS capabilities. Please contact Mark Hunter 
(mhunt...@slac.stanford.edu). We look 
forward to having an active discussion with you about how your research can be 
enabled by LCLS.




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[ccp4bb] Call for submissions of interest in coronavirus research using LCLS

[Hunter, Mark Steven]

Call for submissions of interest in coronavirus research using LCLS
Deadline: 11 May 2020

As part of the Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences support of research 
into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) offers 
opportunities to study the structure and dynamics of biological molecules under 
near physiological conditions. More broadly, the X-ray instruments of the LCLS 
facility can be used to address biology, chemistry and materials science 
questions associated with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and related 
solutions.

The LCLS facility will provide priority expedited access to researchers working 
on these problems. Experiments are anticipated to commence in the summer, with 
exact timing dependent on the impact of necessary health and safety 
restrictions.

Please complete this brief form 
(https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_86BZDt2QtQFQzjf)
to indicate your interest in access to LCLS for Coronavirus/COVID-19 research. 
We would appreciate a response as soon as possible, and no later than 11 May 
2020 in order for your interests to be factored into our beamtime planning.  
Upon receipt of your form we will contact you to discuss detailed requirements.

A formal call for proposals will be issued when the date for restarting LCLS 
operations has been decided. Proposals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as 
they are received, and accepted proposals will be scheduled as early as 
feasible.

LCLS will make biolab space available for sample preparation and 
characterization, as needed. Full support for remote access to experiments will 
be arranged where feasible, for those researchers unable to travel to the 
facility. Coordination with experiments using 
SSRL and the SLAC/Stanford 
Cryo-EM facilities is welcome.

Please contact Mark Hunter 
(mhunt...@slac.stanford.edu) for additional 
information and guidance.

For more general information about LCLS, please visit: 
http://lcls.slac.stanford.edu





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[ccp4bb] Associate Staff Scientist / Lab Manager Position at LCLS, Menlo Park, California

[Hunter, Mark Steven]

Dear Colleagues,

LCLS, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA has a posting for 
a new Associate Staff Scientist / Lab Manager position that can be found here: 
https://chk.tbe.taleo.net/chk01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SLAC=1=3149
 and will be open for approximately one more week.  Below you can find the text 
of the posting.


Cheers

Mark



Associate Staff Scientist/Laboratory Services Manager [Arrillaga Science Center 
Biological Lab]


Job Requisition #:


3149


Classification Title:


Staff Scientist- Associate


Grade:


Location:


Menlo Park, CA (HQ)


# of openings:


1






Description


POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a Directorate of the SLAC National 
Accelerator Laboratory, seeks a laboratory manager to support laboratory 
activities in both our newly established Arrillaga Science Center Biological 
Laboratory and our existing x-ray science user facility, and to carry out 
independent scientific research. This position reports to the LCLS Hard X-Ray 
Department manager and is matrixed to the LCLS Environment, Safety and Health 
Program Manager.

Laboratory Services Management Duties:

  *   Work closely with internal LCLS groups to support and facilitate both the 
Arrillaga Science Center, Bioscience Laboratories and LCLS User Facility Sample 
Preparation Laboratories used by visiting and internal scientists (users), in 
activities that range from biophysics to biology, including inorganic, 
environmental and physical chemistry, helping them achieve their scientific 
goals.
  *   Provide laboratory and equipment scheduling and training, and introduce 
visiting and internal scientists to the Sample Preparation Laboratory policies, 
procedures, and resources, including laboratory access, assignment of space, 
chemical handling protocols, hazardous waste protocols and general 
instrumentation.
  *   Train new users on sample preparation and characterization methodology.
  *   Ensure adherence to applicable laboratory and research safety and 
operation policies, and will have authority to halt user activities.
  *   Assist with chemical safety review processes, maintain training records, 
chemical inventory, and equipment inventory databases, specialized lab 
equipment (i.e. water purification systems, inert atmosphere chambers, 
centrifuges, and spectrophotometers), chemicals, supplies, and beam line safety 
stations.
  *   Negotiate and monitor equipment service contracts and warranties with 
vendors.
  *   Determine equipment needs, authorize purchase of equipment, and oversee 
installation of equipment and instruments in collaboration with facilities 
services staff.
  *   Direct and coordinate preventative maintenance and repair of all 
equipment; determine proper method of repair.
  *   Oversee layout, allocation, and tracking of space among multiple labs; 
manage logistics of laboratory moves; implement plans for renovations of 
equipment and or/facilities in collaboration with facilities services staff.
  *   Administer and prepare budgets that include several funding sources.
  *   Administer health and safety programs and ensure safety compliance; act 
as resource on safety procedures; provide instruction on routine basis; liaise 
with school and/or university health and safety office as appropriate.
  *   Responsible managing the procurement of laboratory equipment, chemicals, 
supplies, and services from outside vendors. Assist visiting and internal 
scientists in chemical ordering processes.
  *   Work without supervision on evenings and weekends.

LCLS Facility Support Objectives:

  *   Provide direct support LCLS user experiments in sample preparation, 
handling and delivery at the LCLS beamlines.
  *   Work with LCLS scientists to assist in-house and external users with the 
planning and execution of LCLS experiments.
  *   Oversee experimental preparation and participate in experimental beamtime.
  *   Participate in projects to improve the capabilities and efficient 
operations laboratory and research facilities.

Research Objectives:

  *   Carry out basic research in sample preparation methods with an emphasis 
on structural biology techniques.
  *   Develop new research approaches to sample production, characterization, 
handling, and delivery for LCLS measurements
  *   Participate in scientific collaborations to develop ideas and 
capabilities Write proposals and publish original scientific research.
  *   Disseminate research results though peer reviewed publications and 
presentations at scientific meetings.

Note: The Associate Staff Scientist position is the entry level in the Staff 
Scientist career path.  The Associate Staff Scientist is a 3 to 5 year fixed 
term research staff position.  The second level of this career path, Staff 
Scientist is a regular continuing position.  The Associate position is 
scheduled to be assessed after the 3 to 5 year period with the possibility of