The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility, offering users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development and is the nexus of a broad collaboration network. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of nearly 600 external facility users.

Three strategic nanoscience themes underlie the CFN scientific facilities: The CFN conducts research on Nanomaterial Synthesis by Assembly, designing precise architectures with targeted functionality by organizing nanoscale components.  The CFN researches and applies platforms for state-of-the-art techniques for Accelerated Nanomaterial Discovery, integrating synthesis, advanced characterization, physical modeling, and computer science to iteratively explore a wide range of material parameters. The CFN develops and utilizes advanced capabilities for studies of Nanomaterials in Operando Conditions for characterizing materials and reactions at the atomic scale in real-world environments.

The Soft and Bio Nanomaterials group is one of five scientific groups in the CFN, and supports the Material Synthesis and Characterization, Optical and Advanced X-ray/UV Characterization facilities.  Soft and Bio Nanomaterials group comprises six permanent, scientific, and technical staff members and supports a set of five state-of-the-art nanomaterial synthesis, assembly, and characterization facilities. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The CFN is seeking an exceptional, creative, and energetic Scientist with outstanding expertise in the development and application of three-dimensional (3D) nanomaterial generation and xx-ray imaging methods within research areas relevant to self-assembly of complex nanomaterials, synthesis, growth and nanofabrication of hybrid and inorganic 3D nanomaterials, and their applications to optical, mechanical and electrical functions. Your expertise in a wide range of forefront synchrotron-based x-ray tomographic techniques is strongly preferred, such as x-ray ptychography, fluorescent imaging and 3D imaging data analysis, as well as x-ray scattering and sample preparation methods for nano-tomography and microbeam x-ray scattering. Your expertise also includes a generation of 3D nanomaterials by self-assembly methods, the use of nanofabrication techniques for material fabrication and characterization, and experience with liquid/vapor infiltration methods for material synthesis. You have a significant interest in volumetric nanoscale characterization and developing novel methods for revealing structure-function relationships. You will establish a research program that aligns with the CFN’s Strategic Plan and develop instrumentation science to be at the cutting edge of quantitative and analytical 3D X-ray imaging and novel 3D nanomaterial fabrication. You will also be responsible for developing, coordinating, and using new hardware, software, and Artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) methods for 3D structure analysis is through varied and close collaborations within and outside of the CFN to advance a fabrication of novel optical, electronic and mechanical nanomaterials. Your activities will include development of the CFN’s user program in the area of volumetric imaging of nanomaterials

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• You will carry out impactful nanomaterial research of your own and, in collaboration, publish papers and give external presentations on your work.

• You will be an active member of the Materials Science professional communities, attending and presenting at conferences and workshops to promote CFN facilities and engage potential new users.

• You will contribute equal effort to advancing your research and supporting CFN user projects.

• You will support the nanoscience user community and perform basic science research in the field of 3D nanoscale imaging of nanomaterials

• You will be working with group members and contributing to managing the Soft and Bio Nanomaterials group user program, including user proposal reviews, allocations, and scheduling.

• You will work with other Soft and Bio Nanomaterials group members to develop novel material fabrication and characterization methods.

• You will develop a CFN-based and a partner user program with NSLS II for volumetric imaging of nanomaterials

• You will mentor post-docs and graduate/undergraduate students and foster their professional development.

• You will participate and advance the DEI mission of DOE and BNL for broadening participation in the STEM fields.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are qualified for this Staff Scientist position if:

• You have earned a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a relevant Engineering discipline and have +2 years’ experience

• You have developed new methods for generating 3D organized nanomaterials and investigated the mechanisms for their formation using a range of X-ray scattering and electron microscopy methods

• You have experience in different nanofabrication methods, including E-beam lithography, FIB, SEM for the preparation of samples and nanomaterial growth

• You have experience in inorganic material growth and templating, including ALD, inorganic chemistry, and deposition and infiltration methods.You are committed to working safely in the laboratory and fostering an environment of safe work practices

• You have conducted high-impact research using and developing x-ray tomography methods to understand the volumetric structures of nanomaterials as demonstrated by publications of research results in peer-reviewed journals

• You are committed to cultivating an inclusive environment and broadening participation in the STEM fields.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are well-matched to this position if: 

• You have excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for collaboration with other scientists from multiple disciplines and institutions.

• You have excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing.

• You collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams in both leadership and supporting roles.

• You have demonstrated experience developing data analytics tools using Python or other programming languages for data analytics, processing, or machine learning on microscopy data, including spectroscopy.

• You have experience with a wide range of electron microscopy techniques, including SEM, TEM, STEM.

• You have experience with the functional characterization of nanomaterials, including mechanical, electrical and optical testing

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Any information pertaining to the environment, health or safety requirements for a position that will be considered when evaluating a candidate

• Essential functions from Job Assessment Form (JAF) such as: lifting of 30 pounds; the ability to run a ½ mile; successfully pass a stress test, climb a ladder or more, etc.