Research lab · United States
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
HQ Menlo Park
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is a DOE laboratory operated by Stanford University in Menlo Park, California.
About SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's research spans accelerator science, photon science, particle physics, astrophysics, and materials and chemical sciences. The lab operates powerful X-ray and accelerator facilities used by researchers worldwide and develops advanced accelerator technologies. DOE sponsors the laboratory, while Stanford manages and operates it under contract. SLAC operates major user facilities for X-ray science and ultrafast research, while its researchers study particles, astrophysics, cosmology, biology, energy, and materials. The Linac Coherent Light Source uses an X-ray free-electron laser to capture processes in atoms and molecules, supporting research across physical and life sciences.
- Institution
- DOE national laboratory
- Sponsor
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Operator
- Stanford University
Operating contracts
Stanford University · DE-AC02-76SF00515
- Current term ends
- Sep 30, 2027
- Maximum if options exercised
- Sep 30, 2027
DOE October 2026 roster lists current and ultimate potential contract end dates as the same date. SLAC’s legal page lists the conformed prime contract as of September 1, 2026.
DOE/SU Contract | Legal ↗Capabilities1
| Technology | Role | Maturity | TRL | Notes | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particle accelerators and beam science | Researcher | — | — | Laboratory research capability; not a claim of a commercial product or fielded system. | Reported |
- ResearcherLaboratory research capability; not a claim of a commercial product or fielded system.—Reported
Maturity and TRL describe this organization's work; the field-wide maturity is on each technology's page.
Supply Chain1 facility
Facilities1
| Facility | Kind | Location | Status | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linac Coherent Light Source | Lab | Menlo Park, California, United States | Operating | Reported |
- Linac Coherent Light SourceLab · Menlo Park, California, United StatesOperatingReported
Hiring Observations
Use the official careers site for current openings and application requirements.
Sources7
Profile5
- 1Government recordDOE/SU Contract | Legal
Supports Organization
- 2Government recordJobs at the National Labs | Department of Energy
Supports Organization
- 3Government recordNational Laboratories | Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Energy · Supports Organization · description
“SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, formerly known as the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory operated by Stanford University.”
- 4Government recordDOE/NNSA Site Facility Management Contracts - October 2026
Supports Organization
- 5Government recordOfficial laboratory website
Supports Organization
Technologies1
- 6CompanyOfficial research program
Supports Organization, Organization technology · research
“Get an overview of research at SLAC: X-ray and ultrafast science, particle and astrophysics, cosmology, particle accelerators, biology, energy and technology.”
Supply chain1
- 7
Supports Facility · facility, Organization · institution.operator, Organization · research
“The Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC takes X-ray snapshots of atoms and molecules at work”
Each fact on this page is attached to the sources that support it. Archived copies are linked when we keep one.