Intern - LCLS Research Support

Position overview:

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Lab is the world’s first hard X-ray free electron laser.

LCLS produces pulses of X-rays more than a billion times brighter than the most powerful existing synchrotron sources.

Scientists use these highly focused, intense beams of X-rays to reveal the identity and arrangement of atoms in a wide range of materials.

The tiny wavelength of X-rays enables study of the arrangement of atoms in metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, catalysts, plastics, and biological molecules.

The ultrashort duration of these X-ray pulses can capture images of atoms and molecules in motion.

LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself.

LCLS has centrally managed summer internship program for students currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated.

Each intern is partnered with a mentor, typically a scientist, engineer, or other technical staff, who directs the internship project during the summer.

The primary goal of the program is to provide interns with a stimulating, real-world research experience.

To some extent technical projects are matched to the interests and skills of each intern but are ultimately determined by the programmatic needs of the facility.

Projects from previous internships have included the following:

Example laboratory projects from previous internships:

• Design of instrument and measurement of the timing jitter between ultrafast laser pulses.
• Development of a non-linear optical system for high-contrast laser pulses.
• Development of multi-photon pulse-width diagnostic.
• Micro-machining capillaries for deep-UV jet sources.
• Design and construction of an ultra-high vacuum experimental chamber for attoscience experiments.
• Characterization of reflectivity and dispersion characteristics of optical coatings.
• ASIC development for high-speed X-ray detectors.
• Characterization of a pulsed sample delivery system for X-ray protein crystallography.
• Characterization of saturable absorption properties of laser safety glass.
• Characterization of beam pointing stabilization system.
• Example programming/modeling projects from previous internships:
• Analysis of data from LCLS experiments on X-ray interactions with diatomic molecules.
• Modeling of ultrafast laser propagation through dispersive media.
• Modeling of THz generation by coherent transition radiation.
• Implementation of on-line data analysis algorithms for LCLS experiments.
• Interfacing centralized data acquisition system with laser timing system.
• Analysis of publication data to determine scientific productivity of facility.

Opportunities and Benefits:

• Great experience for students seeking real-world experience in a scientific and research environment.
• Engage with students and staff in the multidisciplinary Stanford/SLAC scientific community.
• Develop a network of mentors and colleagues.
• Housing on Stanford campus will be offered during the internship.

Note: Please note that the LCLS Summer Internship requires a poster submission towards the end of the program to summarize, document your work and to have the opportunity to communicate with your peers and colleagues at SLAC.

This is an hourly, non-benefits eligible temporary-nonexempt, summer internship position, not to exceed 980 hours in 12 consecutive months.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age and currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated and have US work authorization.

All accepted candidates must have or be able to timely acquire US work authorization.

The program duration is 10 weeks and is full-time on-site; see LCLS Internship Program website for additional details and requirements.

In addition to completing the job application, applicants must complete the “Intern Candidate Form” linked on the LCLS Internship website.

To be successful in this position:

• Must be currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science or related field.
• Problem-solving and analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments.

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.

• 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
• 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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu