Job Abstract

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to investigate dynamic processes and morphology in soft and hybrid energy and environmental materials. The successful candidate will lead the development of chemical x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (cXPCS) using soft x-rays, utilizing multiple beamlines at ALS and other synchrotron facilities. This role involves original research on functional heterogeneous materials, collaboration with a diverse team of scientists across various disciplines, and contributions to future flagship coherent scattering capabilities.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard x-ray, and infrared regimes attract over 1,600 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 11,000 users annually. The co-location of these user facilities – including the Molecular Foundry Nanoscale Science Research Center and the NERSC scientific computing center, as well as Berkeley Lab's outstanding programs in materials and chemical sciences, among others – offers a prime environment for collaborative science. The ALS has been a global leader in soft x-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art x-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

What You Will Do:

• Conduct original research to understand spatially-resolved dynamics, self-assembly, and structure in functional energy and environmental materials, including polymer-based thin films, nanocomposites and clay minerals.
• Participate in the development of using coherent, energy-tunable soft x-rays to probe soft and hybrid materials via chemical x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (cXPCS), including developing an understanding of experimental parameters that mitigate or minimize beam induced dynamics.
• Engage in synergistic materials studies using complementary characterization tools (microscopy, spectroscopy, etc.)
• Collaborate and work with a diverse team of scientists that have expertise spanning material synthesis, self-assembly, characterization, simulations, and data analysis/processing.
• Oversee the synchrotron characterization efforts of the project at the Advanced Light Source and other user facilities.
• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to collaborative publications; contribute to writing grants and proposals; present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings.
• Uphold a culture of safety and promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) practices in daily work.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in physics, materials science, chemical engineering, polymer science, chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in experimental research to understand structure-property relationships related to morphology, self-assembly, and dynamics in soft, hybrid and/or geochemical materials, for example, polymers, nanocomposites, membranes, clay minerals, etc.
• Strong data processing and analysis skills, for example, working with synchrotron-generated data.
• Creative, independent, and proactive problem solver with a track record of tackling research projects from initiation to meaningful conclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in teams and collaborate with researchers of various backgrounds.
• Proven ability to publish research in scientific/technical journals supported by a strong publication record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Significant experience applying synchrotron-based characterization techniques, notably x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) and/or (resonant) soft x-ray scattering and corresponding data reduction, analysis, and fitting to study soft and/or hybrid energy or environmental materials.
• Experience in soft matter characterization combining insights from scattering-based probes with other complementary techniques.
• Experience working with thin films of polymers, ionomers, or composites.

Required Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Include 1-3 references
• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in the position and goals, background, and research experience.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience. This position has a targeted monthly salary range of $7,455 - $8,326/month and is expected to start at $7,455/month or above.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The core values of the ALS reflect a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek candidates who will support a culture in which each member of the community feels welcomed and valued. An ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a vibrant, diverse, and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a strong and successful lab community. For more information refer to the LBNL core values and the ALS mission statement and core values.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.