Strategic Leader, SSRL Synchrotron Science

You are invited to apply for the position of Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The SSRL ALD is SLAC’s senior scientific leader responsible for providing strategic, scientific, and operational vision and leadership for the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate and aligning the organization with SLAC’s broader mission and strategy.For a suitable candidate, the SSRL ALD may also be appointed as a faculty member in SLAC’s Photon Science department within Stanford University.

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facility that provides extremely bright X-rays for research in energy science, materials science, structural biology, environmental science, and related fields. With over 30 experimental stations and serving approximately 2,000 users annually, SSRL has been at the forefront of synchrotron science for over 50 years. The SSRL directorate also includes SLAC’s cyrogenic electron microscopy and nanofabrication capabilities.

As ALD, you will act as a liaison to external agencies, including SLAC’s primary sponsor, the Department of Energy, and to other national laboratories. You will also steward the relationship with the broad and energetic scientific user community of SSRL. You will promote partnerships with academia and industry and guide the development of externally sponsored research projects and programs consistent with the Laboratory’s overall vision and strategy. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's premier synchrotron radiation facilities and lead a talented team advancing the frontiers of X-ray science. The ALD will guide SSRL's scientific vision, ensure outstanding user operations, develop next-generation capabilities, and maintain SSRL's leadership position in the rapidly evolving landscape of photon science.

Additional responsibilities will include collaboration with senior leaders in the Laboratory to evaluate science and human capabilities, devise strategies to sustain and evolve those capabilities, and identify and develop future scientific opportunities.As ALD you will also advocate for the Laboratory’s workforce, develop strategies to foster a vigorous and inclusive research environment, and recruit and retain diverse and exceptional talent. As a member of the Laboratory’s senior management team, you will report to the Laboratory Director.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the DOE’s Office of Science and is one of 17 DOE national laboratories – the most comprehensive research system of its kind in the world, providing strategic scientific and technological capabilities and expertise that cannot be found elsewhere. A major part of the Office of Science mission is supporting the development, construction, and operation of unique, open-access scientific user facilities. The laboratory is home to three Office of Science user facilities: the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) and the Facility for Advanced Accelerator Experimental Tests (FACET).

SLAC sits on 426 acres of Stanford land, located two miles from the main university campus. The lab’s ties with Stanford have grown over the years to include joint institutes and facilities and many collaborative research efforts. The SSRL directorate plays a critical role in many of these collaborative efforts with the University. Stanford has made numerous investments in the laboratory and provides key services that make its operations more efficient. SLAC also plays a key role for Stanford, which benefits from the lab’s deep expertise in key areas and its ability to develop and run large-scale research facilities. Together with Stanford, SLAC educates and develops the U.S. scientific workforce in key technological areas.

Your specific responsibilities will include:

• Providing leadership, management, and strategic vision for all aspects of SSRL operations and programs.

• Developing new science programs and associated funding channels with federal agencies and other funding sources to pursue the strategic vision.

• Identifying and growing capabilities in staffing and scientific infrastructure required to implement the SSRL strategic vision.

• Driving directorate strategic planning and execution to align with the strategic mission of the Laboratory.

• Collaborating in the development of Laboratory-wide strategic planning, including plans for future facilities at SLAC.

• Leading directorate strategic workforce planning to ensure the skills, capabilities and capacity are in place to achieve directorate and lab mission. This includes acquiring world-class talent and active and robust development of internal talent.

• Planning and executing financial strategies for the SSRL to achieve the Lab agenda and business plans. Develop and implement strategies for facility upgrades and new capabilities.

• Building SLAC’s values and safety into every aspect of your directorate’s work and culture.

• Engaging with user community, advisory committees, and stakeholder organizations, including Stanford University.

• Partnering with Stanford University, DOE, and other National/International Laboratories to ensure development and implementation of best scientific, operational, and business practices.

• Representing SLAC in a wide variety of activities involving the DOE, Stanford University and other DOE-sponsored Laboratories, and chairing and/or participating on committees, reviews, and working groups to address Laboratory System-wide issues.

• Leveraging synergies and building collaborations both with Stanford departments and across directorates within SLAC.

• Championing disciplined operations, including safety, security, and environmental compliance, as an integral part of directorate culture, consistent with DOE Office of Science expectations across the national laboratory system.

• Leading and/or overseeing major capital upgrade and construction projects, including applying lessons learned from comparable efforts at peer light sources.

• Serving as a visible scientific ambassador for SLAC and SSRL at national and international conferences, funding agency reviews, and user community forums.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering discipline

• A distinguished research record in synchrotron radiation research and/or accelerator-based science.Deep knowledge of synchrotron radiation techniques and applications.

• A record of crafting strategy and generating research funding in multiple disciplines.

• Demonstrated experience in leadership and management of a complex mission-driven R&D organization (~$10 – 100M/year scale) providing effective oversight and guidance of scientific, operational, management and administrative issues.

• Experience leading high-performing scientific and operational teams.

• Experience fostering an environment that cultivates innovation and groundbreaking R&D.

• Verbal and written communication skills to effectively build and maintain working partnerships with internal and external stakeholders – including Stanford University, the Department of Energy, the DOE National Lab Complex, and private industry leaders.

• Ability to interact at the highest level of management, both internally and externally, in a constructive and collaborative manner and in a way that appropriately represents SLAC.

• Analytical and computational skills necessary to gather, organize and make well informed decisions.

• Ability to maneuver through complex policy, process and people-related organizational dynamics.

• Ability to interpret and apply understanding of key financial measures, analyze data and situations, develop and evaluate effective options, and make quality decisions that prove out effectively over time.

• Propensity to take action, persevere through challenges, solve problems, and drive for on-time results within costs without sacrificing safety, quality, and our values.

• Leadership experience at a major synchrotron or national user facility and experience with DOE laboratory operations are preferred.

SLAC Manager Competencies:

• Results Through Others (drives results & directs work): Achieves expected results by effectively delegating and managing the work of others.

• Aligns Priorities (plans & aligns): Ensures planning and prioritization of resources and work efforts; ensures alignment of direct and matrix reports to support organizational goals and business plans.

• Applies Lab Acumen (business insight): Maintains understanding of lab efforts and direction as well as current research and trends, considers technology and customer impacts, and contributes relevant, informed ideas to lab growth.

• Navigates Complexity (managing complexity): Manages a multitude of information and complex circumstances to discern what is most important; demonstrates effective problem-solving, decision-making, and takes appropriate action, even in difficult situations or with conflicting data.

• Builds Trust (instills trust): Earns trust and credibility from team members, peers and stakeholders; demonstrates SLAC values of respect and integrity.

• Relationships (interpersonal savvy, collaborates, manages conflict, builds networks): Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve team, department/directorate and lab goals.

• Communication (communicates effectively): Ensures effective information flow to various audiences; delivers clear and appropriate written and verbal communications; makes clear and impactful presentations to a variety of internal and external audiences.

• Self-Awareness (demonstrates self-awareness): Seeks feedback from others and takes ownership of, and actions to address what is learned; recognizes impact on others and adjusts as needed; pursues continuous learning opportunities; implements a meaningful development plan.

• Team Effectiveness (builds effective teams): Effectively motivates team members and fosters a diverse and collaborative team environment; leverages team members’ strengths for overall team effectiveness; incorporates insights to improve team operations.

• Purpose & Vision (drives vision & purpose): Articulates a clear vision of expected outcomes; inspires others to execute work plans and feel a sense of purpose and ownership for the mission.