Associate Scientist - AI and Fundamental Physics

Job Overview

Position Overview:

The Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks candidates at the Associate Scientist level (research work performed by associate scientist is similar to assistant professor at a university) with a proven track record of research in AI and fundamental physics, broadly defined. This includes candidates with experience applying methods to solve theoretical or experimental challenges as well as candidates with experience developing statistical or computational methods relevant to fundamental physics. Preference will be given to candidates with an aptitude and interest in connecting with more than one established FPD research area.

SLAC and Stanford have a long history of scientific leadership in AI and fundamental physics. At the same time, this is a growth area for FPD and the successful candidate will help define future directions for AI in FPD, building community at the lab and with researchers on the Stanford campus. This includes integrating with the SLAC-wide AI efforts as part of the Integrated Scientific and Data Intensive Computing Initiative and with the Center for Decoding the Universe, a joint initiative of Stanford Data Science and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC).

Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop a world-leading research effort in AI and fundamental physics, as measured by impactful research papers, software, and scientific results.

Provide some support / training to the local scientific community.

Develop the goals and focus of new and strengthened AI areas at SLAC, centered around lab-wide strategic directions.

Grow the base funding in Computational HEP at SLAC to support the selected candidate's program by the end of the Associate Scientist appointment including growing support outside of DOE/HEP and possibly forging partnerships with industry.

Mentor postdoctoral research associates and graduate students and provide oversight of engineering and technical staff.

Note: This position is at the Associate Scientist (Tier 2) level. The Associate Scientist is a 3 to 5 year fixed term research staff position. The Associate position is assessed after the 3 to 5 year period with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level. Appointment to the Staff Scientist level requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievement.

Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and three reference letters with the application.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

Ph.D. in physics, statistics, computer science, or a related field.

At least two years of post-doctoral experience in AI relevant for fundamental physics.

Demonstrated knowledge with the standard software tools and computational ecosystems for modern scientific AI.

Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.

Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through publications.

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

Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research and collaborate in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying state-of-the-art AI tools to HEP data.

Demonstrated ability to develop innovative statistical or computational AI tools relevant for HEP.

SLAC 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.

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 1General 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.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473\.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

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Classification Title: Associate Scientist

Duration: Fixed Term

Grade: K

Job code: 1092

The expected pay range for this position is $118,000 to $175,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) 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.

Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

Fixed Term N

SLAC Business Area Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD)

Locations Menlo Park, CA, United States

Job Schedule Full time

Regular or Temporary Regular

Job Category Research - Other

Posting Date 09/25/2025, 07:00 PM

Grade K

Job Identification 6500

Benefits that support you, and your future

18\+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

World-class exercise facilities

$6000\+ annual tuition and training assistance

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

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 their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473\.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation), illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.