Technical Associate Support Lead

Overview

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Operations Division is seeking a Science and Engineering Associate to join our team and provide support as Group Lead and supervisor of the Technical Associate Support Department. LCLS is a science Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. LCLS is the world’s first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL) and is operated as an international user facility with hundreds of scientists from around the world conducting experiments to study fundamental processes in chemistry, technology, and life.

A suite of 10 instruments supports LCLS’s scientific capabilities.

The LCLS Technical Associate Support Group Leader is responsible for supervising and managing a group of Science and Engineering Associates with diverse skills. This role supports day-to-day facility operations and ongoing installation and upgrade activities. The Group Leader will work within the Operations Support Team to prioritize and coordinate efforts and will interface with LCLS leadership, Operations Management, and the Team of Area Managers to provide efficient support.

• Perform advanced technical research utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, specimens, plans, designs, reports, and/or data analysis. Provide supervision overseeing technicians and/or support staff.
• Perform supervisory duties, including hiring, performance management, providing career guidance and development opportunities to staff, and overseeing the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/project.
• Supervise the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of complex scientific or engineering projects, and train technicians, operators, and others working in a particular scientific or engineering function area.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, or senior administrative officers to oversee complex non-routine analyses, select optimum solutions, design and develop special purpose equipment and/or systems, and perform corrective modifications to equipment and system designs.
• Oversee and make independent decisions for operation, maintenance, and development of laboratory space.
• Manage day-to-day operations for functional areas of responsibility, including resource management and oversight of project differences in funding/plans versus actual staffing levels.
• Work with Operations Staff to appropriately prioritize work and communicate to the SEA pool.
• Manage and act as budget control account manager for the Technical Associate Support component of the Operations Budget.
• Set operating efficiency standards for Technical Associate Support and work to maintain this level of support.
• Lead development of Science and Engineering Associate skills in Vacuum Technology, Mechanical Support and Controls Electronics, and Work Planning and Control.
• Establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Develop training sessions, training manuals, and/or procedures.
• Oversee the work of Science and Engineering Associates and other staff associated with the group/project.
• Supervise the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of complex scientific or engineering projects.

• Bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or scientific discipline, or three years of equivalent work experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles to perform technical services and support.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
• Extensive experience overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.
• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
• Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.

• Results through Others:
  Achieves expected results by delegating and managing the work of others.
• Aligns Priorities:
  Plans and prioritizes resources and work efforts; aligns direct and matrix reports with organizational goals.
• Applies Lab Acumen:
  Understands lab efforts and direction and contributes informed ideas to lab growth.
• Navigates Complexity:
  Manages complex information and circumstances to identify what is most important; demonstrates problem-solving and decision-making.
• Builds Trust:
  Earns trust and credibility and demonstrates SLAC values of respect and integrity.
• Relationships:
  Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve goals.
• Communication:
  Delivers clear written and verbal communications and presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Self-Awareness:
  Seeks feedback and takes action to address learnings; pursues continuous development.
• Team…