"X-ray Scattering Scientist"

Organization Overview

The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility, offering users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the- art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development and is the nexus of a broad collaboration network. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of nearly 600 external facility users.

Three strategic nanoscience themes underlie the CFN scientific facilities: The CFN conducts research on nanomaterial synthesis by assembly designing precise architectures with targeted functionality by organizing nanoscale components. The CFN researches and applies platforms for state-of-the-art techniques for Accelerated Nanomaterial Discovery, integrating synthesis, advanced characterization, physical modeling, and computer science to iteratively explore a wide range of material parameters. The CFN develops and utilizes advanced capabilities for studies of Nanomaterials in Operando Conditions for characterizing materials and reactions at the atomic scale in real-world environments.

Position Description

The CFN is seeking a highly motivated scientist to support scientific researchers in materials characterization using synchrotron x-ray scattering methods. The CFN supports a vibrant user program that advances materials research through high-throughput and in-situ characterization, coupled to advanced data analysis. In this on-site position, you will support the full user experimental workflow, encompassing strategic experiment planning, instrument configuration and optimization, data collection, and data analysis/interpretation. You will become involved in scientific research and facility development activities aligned with the CFN's user program mission. You will be a member of the CFN scientific staff, working under the supervision of the AI-Accelerated Nanoscience Group Leader and collaborating closely with beamline scientists at NSLS-II.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• You will proactively provide hands-on support for X-ray experiments at synchrotron X-ray scattering beamlines, and complementary techniques at CFN, to advance scientific impact of the user program.
• You will be responsible for hardware setup, instrument configuration, data acquisition, data analysis, troubleshooting, and after-hour support.
• You will participate in discussions on science goals, experimental design, and workflow improvement. You will participate in research collaborations and scientific publications.
• You will work with users and staff to ensure safe and effective operation of X-ray scattering beamlines and complementary instruments.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• You have a Doctorate with 2+ years of post-PhD experience in physics, material science, chemistry, engineering, or a related discipline;
• You have experience conducting material science experiments at synchrotron beamlines;
• You demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills and thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment;
• You are committed to fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices and adhering to lab guidelines.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• You have experience in X-ray scattering techniques (SAXS, GISAXS, GIWAXS, etc.), including data acquisition and analysis;
• You have experience with supporting the research of others, via collaboration and/or within a user facility environment;
• You have skills in advanced analytics, AI/ML methods, Python programming, version control, and Linux OS;
• You have experience with materials characterization methods, such as lab X-ray instruments, or scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Additional information

• On-Site Position

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $103650 - $130000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

BNL | Benefits Program