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LBL

Experimental Research Scientist

LBL, La Canada Flintridge, CA


Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division (MBIB) has an opening for a Research Scientist to join the Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology (BSISB) imaging program.

BSISB is a national infrared imaging program that develops and offers specialized analytical capabilities that make use of the high-intensity (bright) synchrotron radiation produced by the Advanced Light Source (ALS) to study organisms and biomaterials at spatial dimensions in the range of micrometers to nanometers.

In this exciting role, you will be a hands-on and creative experimental researcher working with a multi-disciplinary team to apply cutting-edge analytical, engineering, and computational concepts in the development and optimization of an integrated autonomous chemical imaging system. You will be expected to develop new expertise and gain recognition within the chemical analysis and imaging community.

This position has an anticipated start date of March 31, 2025.

What You Will Do:
  • Lead innovative technology research and development in the field of biomaterials and surface enhanced infra-red absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy.
  • Develop and advance near-field probes, which include research of design and fabricating advanced probes and setting up customized scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM).
  • Advance SNOM techniques and their applications on biomaterial nanoimaging.
  • Design, fabricate, and optimize nanoantenna for SEIRA.
  • Design, fabricate, and optimize nanostructure for surface phonon polariton.
  • Perform computational and experimental observations of surface phonon polariton.
  • Design and carry out complex work plans for multiple tasks, lead data collection and analysis efforts, use findings to improve system performance, and suggest follow-on work.
  • Develop resolutions to complex technical problems.
  • Apply computer analysis and simulation programs to interpret experimental data.
  • Carry out collaborative research with fellow scientists, research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and students, and interact with internal and external personnel.
  • Provide technical support, training, and mentoring to users including students, postdocs, professors, scientists.
  • Contribute to proposal and manuscript writing, speaking at scientific meetings and program reviews.


What is Required:
  • A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Experimental Physics, Nanophononics, Material Science, Engineering, or a closely related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Extensive experience in scanning near-field optical microscopy instrumentation design, fabrication, and applications.
  • Experience with optics modeling and applications to scanning near-field optics microscopy system design.
  • Experience with cleanroom nanofabrication tools including Focused Ion Beam lithography, Evaporator, Scanning Electron Beam Microscope, Atomic layer deposition, etc.
  • Experience with complex spectroscopic data collection, analysis, and visualization.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and record keeping skills including experience recording experiment results and analyzing data.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience presenting findings at group meetings, conferences, and publishing results.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with diverse teams of scientific, operations, and technical staff.


Desired Qualifications:
  • A Ph.D. in Experimental Physics, Nanophononics, Material Science, Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Expertise in innovative instrumentation and experimentation including diverse technologies such as nanoimaging, nanofabrication, and spectroscopic data analysis.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the field of elemental, organic molecules and isotopic analysis, sample preparation, and morphological characterization.


Notes:
  • For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position by January 28, 2025.
  • This is a full time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay, 18 month, Career-Track Term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
  • This position is expected to pay $91,484 - $146,375 per year for job code S13.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
  • As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
  • This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • This position will be performed on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94760.


Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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