Organizational Overview

The National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II) is a DOE-funded scientific user facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The Complex Scattering Program at NSLS-II enables researchers to investigate the complex structure and dynamics of modern materials by offering a suite of cutting-edge x-ray scattering techniques, leveraging NSLS-II’s high brightness and coherence. The program’s mission is to advance fundamental understanding of the spatiotemporal behavior of complex materials and to promote transformative discoveries by optimizing material synthesis and processing conditions as well as material behavior under extreme conditions. Within this program, the 12-ID Soft Matter Interfaces (SMI) beamline is designed to enable the exploration of novel types of hierarchical ordering and heterogeneities in frontier materials by providing advanced x-ray scattering capabilities in tender and hard x-ray ranges, including grazing-incidence and transmission small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering [(GI)SAXS/WAXS], resonant scattering, and liquid-interface scattering. 

Position Description

NSLS-II is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of the lead beamline scientist for the SMI beamline. Working together with beamline scientists, data analysis scientists, beamline technicians and engineers, and other support staff, the successful candidate will lead the user program and beamline operation at the SMI beamline. The lead beamline scientist has a vision, defines the strategy to advance the user science program, enhances the beamline capabilities and proposes facility improvements and upgrades. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Refine and evolve the mission and technical scope of the SMI beamline by interacting effectively with the scientific user community and with the Complex Scattering Program and NSLS-II colleagues;
• Grow the SMI beamline’s scientific program in line with the NSLS-II strategic plan and support the facility mission with a focus on advanced x-ray scattering;
• Lead the safe operation of the SMI beamline and provide oversight of staff and users working at the beamline;
• Supervise a team of beamline scientists assigned to the SMI beamline;
• Propose and manage the SMI 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 SMI beamline;
• Coordinate the SMI user program with those of other NSLS-II beamlines within and outside the Complex Scattering Program that offer complementary techniques or capabilities.

Position Requirements

• PhD. in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field
• At least eight (8) years of post-PhD. experience with materials characterization based on synchrotron x-ray or neutron scattering
• Knowledge of x-ray scattering fundamentals and demonstrated experience with the collection and analysis of scattering data
• Strong publication record in x-ray and/or neutron scattering-based research
• Excellent written and oral communications 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:

• Prior experience with the design, installation, commissioning and/or operation of a synchrotron beamline
• Demonstrated experience with grazing-incidence scattering (GISAXS/GIWAXS), x-ray reflectivity, liquid-interface scattering, and/or resonant scattering
• Demonstrated experience with time-resolved or spatially resolved studies of materials
• Working knowledge of x-ray optics, x-ray detectors, and/or beamline control systems (e.g., EPICS)
• Programming skills for data reduction and analysis in Python
• Demonstrated success supervising or leading scientific or technical groups or projects

At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation:  Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis)