Job Overview
Job Title: Research Associate – Liquid Sunlight Alliance work at SLAC
Position Overview:
Applications are invited for a research associate position at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in the LiSA solar fuels hub on electrochemical CO2 reduction, which is a collaboration between national laboratories and academia. The scope of the project is to study the key reaction steps in CO2 activation and related reactions on metal electrodes as a function of pH, temperature, and electrolyte composition, with computation. Part of the work centers on elucidating the mechanistic role of absorbed formate in selectivity as well as studying the importance of the hydrogen evolution reaction.
This is a one-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension. Research Associates are engaged with the design, support, operation and/or scientific exploitation of the major programs of the laboratory, under the guidance of their faculty or Senior Staff Scientist / Distinguished Staff Scientist supervisor. They are expected to work with a significant degree of independence on one or more specific tasks in support of the research program, frequently interacting with the laboratory’s scientific community.
Given the nature of this position, onsite work will be required.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Development and integration of modeling efforts.
Theoretical work will include:
Simulation of complex interfaces and the reaction dynamics.
Simulation of ion solvation, pH, and potential at electrochemical interfaces.
Close collaboration with theoretical and experimental efforts within the hub.
Disseminating results through publication, presentation and conference participation.
Any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope of the position.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science or other related field, and 2 years of experience performing DFT calculations and modeling materials properties or chemical reactions.
Strong background in computational physics or chemistry.
Proficiency in scientific programming using Python.
Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
Good communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
The ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary and diverse team focused on understanding heterogeneous reactions at the solid-liquid interface in collaboration between theory and experiments.
Applicants will be evaluated on research experience and accomplishments in their field of expertise. Applicants will provide evidence of either a recently completed PhD degree, or confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position.
Desired Skills:
Prior experience (preferred 2 or more post-PhD years) in modeling complex chemical reactions.
Prior experience (preferred 2 or more post-PhD years) in modeling charge transfer processes in electrochemistry.
Commitment to fostering diversity in science through mentorship and outreach.
Applicants will be evaluated on research experience and accomplishments in the field of expertise.
Please send a cover letter, a CV (resume) with a list of publications, research experience and accomplishments, and names of two references, to the address below:
Frank Abild-Pedersen, email: [email protected]
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.
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 their 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
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Classification Title: Research Associate-Theoretical
Grade: NA
Job code: 0126
Duration: Fixed Term
Responsibilities
Minimum Education and Experience Required:
PhD with relevant coursework or equivalent relevant experience.
Minimum Qualifications
Pay Frequency Annually
Fixed Term Y
SLAC Business Area Energy Sciences Directorate (ESD)
Full time or Part time Full Time
Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (On-site)
Job Schedule Full time
Regular or Temporary Regular
Job Category Research - Other
Posting Date 09/11/2026, 05:51 PM
Grade G
Job Identification 200962
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.