Position Description:

The CFN is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to develop methods fornanoscale fabrication via biomolecular self-assemblyand inorganic templating of novel nanostructures. In this role, you will build upon recent advances at the CFN in extending the complexity of nano-architectures synthesized through DNA-based self-assembly to create targeted nanomaterials with designed three-dimensional order and composition. Beyond material fabrication by self-assembly, you will also investigate adjacent optical, mechanical and chemical properties in collaboration with the CFN team, conduct a detailed structural characterization, and develop material fabrication methods. You will also integrate these new materials into novel devicesto exploretheir potentialfunctionality. 

Your research will involve preparing and processing DNA-based nanostructures, their coupling with nanoparticles, and developing inorganic templating processes for establishing 3D and site-specific nanomaterialfabrication approaches. You will investigate the structure of formed materials using electron microscopy, spectroscopy and X-ray scattering and imaging.Importantly, you will work independently under a broadly defined research direction and will collaborate with researchers and users with diverse backgrounds to develop new materials with targeted functionality. To achieve your goals, you will leverage the world-class suite of nanoscience tools available at the CFN and benefit from the expertise of CFN staff, with whom you will work closely. Ultimately, your research will engender innovative and unique applications of self-assembly creation of novel classesof nanomaterials with a broad spectrum of applications.You will carry out your work on this project under the mentorship of Oleg Gang. 

Key Responsibilities:

• You will develop strategies for creating DNA-based nanostructures integrated with nanoparticles, their integration with on-chip devices 

• You will develop 3D inorganic nano-templating methods

• You will characterizethe structural,and other properties of synthesized materialsand fabricated devices

• You will perform experiment design of nanoscale biomolecularand inorganic nanomaterials and analyze the data to corroborate and support research findings

• You will collaborate with researchers and userswith a broad range of interests

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

You are qualified for this position if:

• You have earned a Ph.D. in material science, chemistry, biology, physics, chemical engineering, biomedical engineeringor a related discipline within the past five years, or will completethis degree prior to starting the position.

• You possess hands-on experience in the assembly, nanoparticles synthesis,and characterization ofdifferent types of supramolecular and nanoparticle systems 

• You have performednanoscale characterization using methods such as TEM, AFM, x-ray scattering, x-ray imaging, and SEM

• You communicate effectively bywriting scientific papers and verbally by giving clear technical presentations

• You are committed to working safely in the laboratory and fostering an environment of safe-work practices 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

You are well-matched to this position if:

• You collaborate effectively within a team to tackle challenging science problems, while also working independently on your broadly defined research objectives

• You have developed molecular and/or nanoparticles and nanomaterials synthesis and assembly methods

• You have experience with the design of complex structures and their assembly

• You have experience withnanotechnology  methods (nanofabrication, nanomaterial synthesis and functionalization, nanoscale device fabrication, ALD, infiltration)