Superconducting RF and Cryogenics Division Director

Position overview

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is in the final construction phase of LCLS-II, which will be the first fully CW Superconducting Linac-based X-ray Free Electron Laser. We are also planning for the high energy upgrade to LCLS-II, which will double the beam energy. This is a very exciting time at SLAC, and for the science opportunities that will arise with these new capabilities.

The Accelerator Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Division Director to oversee the operations and R&D of all activities related to Superconducting RF linacs and cryogenics. The successful candidate will be responsible for the operation of the new LCLS-II superconducting linac and operating and maintaining the large helium cryogenic plant that feeds it. The Division Director also oversees R&D activities related to SC technologies and the infrastructure required to maintain a robust R&D program and is the lab’s technical subject matter expert on cavities and cryomodules. The division director is a member of the senior management team in the Accelerator Directorate and reports directly to the Associate Laboratory Director for the directorate.

The responsibilities of the Division Director include but are not limited to

• Provide visionary leadership consistent with the SLAC mission, enhance our core capability in SRF accelerators and cryogenics, and meet the challenge of improving management and operations.
• Formulate and articulate the strategic direction for the division and work closely with the Directorate leadership team to achieve common goals.
• Create an intellectual and workplace environment that promotes scientific and operational excellence that attracts and retains a diverse, high caliber engineering and scientific staff.
• Ensure all processes and procedures for Linac commissioning and operations are sound and developed to the appropriate level of safety and quality.
• Interact with other groups that either support or operate other parts of the complex to develop solutions to SC Linac accelerator issues.
• Support future SC Linac upgrades and infrastructure for maintenance and R&D.
• Work to develop and implement Environment, Health and Safety policies that apply to the SC Linac complex.
• Manage the division’s budget and personnel resources to ensure timely project execution and to meet operational needs.

To be successful in this position you will bring

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in physics, electrical, nuclear or mechanical engineering or related field and at least 10 years of experience including: superconducting RF (SRF) R&D, cryomodule design and engineering, operation of helium cryogenic plants, operation of superconducting linacs.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex projects/teams from conceptual design through commissioned systems and ongoing operations.
• Ability to establish strategic direction for the organization and work closely with the leadership team to define, articulate, and achieve common goals.
• Demonstrated ability to create an intellectual and work environment that promotes scientific and operational excellence.
• Record of commitment to staff development, diversity, a respectful workplace, safety, environment and health.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively conveying complex technical concepts.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Ability to collaborate across organizations and manage/lead cross-functional efforts.

SLAC Manager competencies

• Results Through Others: Achieves expected results by effectively delegating and managing the work of others.
• Aligns Priorities: 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: 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: Demonstrates effective problem-solving and decision-making in complex situations; manages a multitude of information and circumstances to discern what is most important; takes appropriate action, even with conflicting data or in difficult situations.
• 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.
• 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: Effectively motivates team members and fosters a diverse and collaborative environment; leverages individual members’ strengths for overall team effectiveness; incorporates insights to improve team operations.
• Purpose & Vision: Articulates a clear vision of expected outcomes; inspires others to execute work plans and feel a sense of purpose and ownership for the mission.
• Attracts & Develops Employee Talent: Plans for, attracts, and hires the right talent for current and future organizational needs; operates with a focus on growing internal talent through organizational and staff development; values and encourages continuous growth development through a blend of work experiences, coaching, and formal learning; aligns individual development with organizational needs and objectives.

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 the job.

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 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.
• SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to increasing diversity in the workplace. It welcomes nominations of and applications from women and members of minority groups, as well as from others who would bring additional dimensions to the lab’s mission. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.

Internal Number: 4368