The National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II) is a DOE-funded scientific user facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The Spectroscopy Program within the Physical Sciences & Research Operations Division provides advanced X-ray spectroscopy tools to study complex materials under real-world conditions, with a focus on understanding and improving materials used in energy storage, catalysis, and other applications involving non-ambient and complex dynamic environments. The program includes four NSLS-II operated beamlines, as well as three partner beamlines stewarded by NIST covering soft, tender, and hard X-ray spectroscopy.  

Position Description

The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory seeks a lead beamline scientist for the Inner Shell Spectroscopy (ISS) beamline. The ISS beamline provides intense hard X-rays to interrogate structure and reactivity in a wide variety of materials, such as batteries, fuel cells, and catalysts. The ISS scientific program focuses on studying complex processes under in situ and operando conditions, where energy materials are processed and characterized under realistic and industrially relevant conditions. High throughput capabilities allow for large scale materials screening. In addition to the traditional X-ray spectroscopic techniques, high energy resolution instruments are under development, which will allow more precise insight into the electronic structure of energy materials.

As the Lead Beamline Scientist for ISS, the successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team including beamline scientists, data analysis scientists, technicians, engineers, and other support staff to lead both the ISS user program and beamline operations. The Lead Beamline Scientist will develop a vision and strategy to advance the ISS user science program, enhance the beamline capabilities and propose facility improvements and upgrades to ensure that the ISS beamline remains at the state-of-the-art.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Refine and evolve the mission and technical scope of the ISS beamline by interacting effectively with the scientific user community and with the Spectroscopy Program and NSLS-II colleagues
• Grow the ISS beamline’s scientific program in line with the NSLS-II strategic plan and support the facility mission with a focus on x-ray spectroscopy
• Lead the safe operation of the ISS beamline and provide oversight of staff and users working at the beamline
• Supervise a team of beamline scientists assigned to the ISS beamline
• Propose and manage the ISS operating budget, beam time allocation and schedule
• Oversee the design, implementation, maintenance and upgrade of the beamline equipment, and guide the beamline’s progress with advanced data management and analysis
• Collaborate with NSLS-II staff, BNL scientists, and/or external researchers to develop an independent scientific or technical research and development program that leverages or enhances the unique capabilities of the ISS beamline
• Coordinate the ISS user program with those of other NSLS-II beamlines within and outside the Spectroscopy Program that offer complementary techniques or capabilities

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• PhD. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or other relevant fields with minimum 6 years’ experience in synchrotron-based research with significant experience using x-ray spectroscopy techniques
• Considerable knowledge of x-ray spectroscopy fundamentals and data analysis
• Strong publication record in using X-ray spectroscopy techniques
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Ability to interact effectively in a team environment with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technical staff, and users

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or other relevant fields with minimum 10 years’ experience
• Minimum 3 years demonstrated successful experience with synchrotron beamline operation and user support
• Demonstrated successful experience working with high heat load synchrotron beamline and/or cryo-cooled double-crystal monochromator
• Demonstrated successful experience with in-situ and operando measurement
• Demonstrated success in the design, installation and/or commissioning of a synchrotron radiation beamline
• Working knowledge of x-ray optics, x-ray detectors, and/or beamline control systems (e.g., EPICS)
• Hands-on expertise in X-ray Emission Spectroscopy and High Energy Resolution Fluorescence Detection
• Programming skills for data analysis and/or collection in Python
• Demonstrated success supervising or leading scientific or technical groups or projects

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $134,555 - $203,100 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.