The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is an advanced 3 GeV synchrotron light source operating at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), a multipurpose research institution funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. NSLS-II is organized into three divisions with one managing the research operations of beamlines for the physical sciences, and currently includes the beamlines utilizing infrared synchrotron light.  NSLS-II is seeking exceptional candidates for a Beamline Scientist to develop infrared near-field nanospectroscopy instrumentation, conduct research relevant to BNL’s efforts in quantum information science and support the research of NSLS-II Users. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position will support operation and research usage of the near-field infrared endstation at the 22IR2/MET beamline along with the laboratory’s Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) activity that includes the investigation of materials for quantum computing.  It also includes providing support for the design and development of the upcoming INF beamline project that will result in three independently operating endstations (INF-1, INF-2 and INF-3) for performing primarily infrared nanospectroscopy over the spectral range from ~100 cm 1 to >4000 cm 1.  Specific endstations for samples under ambient conditions as well as cryogenic and magnetic fields are planned for INF.  The capability, at the MET and INF beamlines, for performing mid- and far-infrared spectroscopy at nearly 10nm spatial resolution in combination with the NSLS-II source current of 500 mA and a low-noise environment will place it in a world-leading position.  While much of the research effort directed toward condensed matter and materials physics research, we expect the IR nanospectroscopy capabilities to be relevant to a wide range of scientific disciplines such as surface catalysis, nanotechnology, energy and environmental science.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be a member of the infrared beamline team that is part of the Soft X-ray Scattering and Spectroscopy program – one of 5 programs within the Physical Sciences Research and Operations Division. Working closely with the existing 22IR2/MET Beamline Scientists and the scientific user community, the selected candidate will manage operation of the existing infrared near-field nanospectroscopy endstation at the 22IR2/MET beamline for both NSLS-II user research and for research relevant to C2QA (quantum materials).  The candidate will also participate in the development of the 24IR/INF beamline for near-field infrared nanospectroscopy.  The candidate will also be expected to establish opportunities for scientific collaborations that exploit the unique capabilities of near-field techniques at synchrotron IR beamlines.

• Perform infrared nanospectroscopy using the 22IR2/MET beamline in support of the C2QA initiative for quantum computing at BNL.  
• Support infrared nanospectroscopy operations at 22IR2/MET for NSLS-II users.
• Initiate a research program that utilizes the unique, broadband infrared nanospectroscopy capability, publish in scientific journals and present results at relevant scientific conferences. 
• Actively contribute to the planning and design of the upcoming INF beamline project. 
• Expand the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) instrumentation capability for techniques that complement the near-field nanospectroscopy. Examples would be magnetic force microscopy (MFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM).  
• Participate in the development and implementation of a cryogenic AFM for near-field nanospectroscopy of samples at temperatures to ~10K.  
• Participate in the inclusion of tunable laser system(s) to allow for near-field nanoscopy at selected wavelengths.  Examples would be QCLs and OPAs. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science/Engineering, or closely related field.
• At least two (2) years of post-Ph.D. “hands-on” experience in synchrotron-based infrared nanospectroscopy utilizing the apertureless scattering approach.
• Demonstrated experience using lasers as a source for nanospectroscopy.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental data analysis, e.g. interpretation of asymmetric Michelson interferometry data results and the near-field scattering process. 
• Excellent publication record.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal 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:

• Significant knowledge of condensed matter and materials physics at the nanoscale, including 2D systems. 
• Experience working with cryogenic detector systems operating at liquid helium temperatures.
• Knowledge of the properties of infrared optic materials for windows and reference measurements. 
• Experience in developing and troubleshooting experimental instrumentation.
• Demonstrated capability of working independently.
• Good organizational, analytical skills and work planning capabilities.

Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment

Compensation:

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $101,200 -$168,000/year. 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.