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SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Research Associate ¿ Microreactor Chip Based Sample Delivery

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California, United States, 94029

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Research Associate – Microreactor Chip Based Sample Delivery Apply for the Research Associate role at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

Position Overview The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a DOE national user facility operated by Stanford University, seeks a Research Associate to lead development of segmented‑flow droplet microreactors for high‑throughput, time‑resolved X‑ray studies of transient chemical and biological processes. This project will enable new science in gas–liquid–solid catalysis, gas–liquid and liquid–liquid mixing, and nucleation studies relevant to pharmaceuticals, energy storage materials, and greenhouse‑gas remediation.

Your Impact

Design, fabricate, and iterate designs of segmented‑flow microreactor prototypes (PDMS, glass, commercial chips).

Build and operate the microfluidic platform to characterize device performance: syringe/pressure pumps, controllers, valves, fittings, and tubing for multiphase flows.

Characterize droplets and mixing with high‑speed imaging, fluorescence, and quantitative image analysis.

Run offline reaction and transport experiments (gas–liquid, liquid–liquid, particle suspensions); collect and analyze kinetic/transport data.

Maintain experimental records, SOPs, safety documentation, and inventory of consumables.

Collaborate with microfabrication engineers and vendors for rapid prototyping and materials selection.

Contribute to data reduction, figure generation, technical reports, and manuscripts.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

Ph.D. in Engineering (biomedical, electrical, mechanical, etc.), Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or related field.

Demonstrated experience with microfluidics, millifluidics, and microfabrication.

Hands‑on experience with fluid handling hardware: syringe pumps, pressure controllers, fittings, and tubing.

Ability to lead experiments independently.

Ability to rapidly prototype and test new techniques.

Experience with development of optical diagnostics (high‑speed imaging, basic fluorescence microscopy) and quantitative image analysis.

Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer‑reviewed publications.

Strong experimental troubleshooting, record‑keeping, and communication skills.

Ability to travel and participate in beamline experiments at SSRL and LCLS as required.

Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.

Preferred Requirements Include

Prior experience with experiments at X‑ray light sources (synchrotron or XFEL), or familiarity with X‑ray sample‑delivery constraints.

Microfabrication skills: soft lithography (PDMS), glass etching, metal deposition, or chip assembly.

Experience developing complex sample delivery systems, particularly supporting droplet‑based techniques as well as liquid jets.

Experience working with multiphase flows, gas‑liquid microreactors, or solid suspensions in microchannels.

Experience with vacuum or helium‑environment sample handling, and safe handling of hazardous reagents.

Programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW).

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, team 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.

May work extended hours during peak business cycles.

The ability to travel to synchrotron and XFEL facilities around the world to perform experiments is required.

Given the nature of this position, onsite work is required.

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.

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.

Classification Title: Research Associate Experimental.

Job code: 0127, Grade: G.

Employment Duration: 2 years fixed term.

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 - $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 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.

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