Nanofabrication and X-Ray Optics Research Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division has an opening for a Research Scientist with expertise in nanofabrication and x-ray diffractive optics. This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in cutting-edge research at one of the world's premier user facilities.

As part of the ALS Photon Science Development Group and in collaboration with the Center for X-Ray Optics (CXRO), you will design, develop, test, and use advanced x-ray optical elements and experimental systems that power groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

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 1,500 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, high-coherent-flux x-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

The candidate will be placed at a level commensurate with experience, knowledge, and skills.

What You Will Do:

Level 1:

• Conduct research in nanopatterning and nanofabrication for high-resolution, high-efficiency x-ray optics.
• Design, model, and simulate x-ray optical elements tailored to experimental needs.
• Apply advanced lithographic fabrication techniques including e-beam lithography.
• Utilize advanced characterization tools, including SEM, AFM, TEM, and x-ray at-wavelength x-ray methods.
• Lead or contribute to upgrades of experimental systems showcasing ALS capabilities.
• Share research findings through publications and presentations at conferences.
• Follow safe laboratory practices and protocols, ensuring compliance with Laboratory, Division, and Program safety policies.
• Uphold LBNL's values of stewardship and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability) while promoting integrity and ethical practices in all work.

In addition to Level 1 above, at Level 2:

• May initiate and drive independent research projects to push technical boundaries.
• Build and maintain professional networks and foster collaborations with internal and external partners.
• Supervise and mentor technical staff and junior researchers.

What is Required:

Level 1:

• PhD or equivalent in years of related work experience in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with nanofabrication techniques and characterization tools.
• Knowledge of optics, diffraction, optical simulation, and light interactions with matter. Ability to model optical elements from optical physics and principles.
• Ability to perform calculations and data analysis in a well-known programming language like Python, Matlab, etc.
• Ability to apply various lithography techniques, working safely in a cleanroom environment.
• Working knowledge of characterization tools for nanofabrication including SEM, AFM, and/or TEM.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, technical support staff, and collaborating scientists from all backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A publishing record in the field of electron-beam lithography and/or nanofabrication (e.g., atomic layer deposition, electroplating, plasma etching), optics, optical techniques, or characterization techniques.
  

In addition to Level 1 above, at Level 2:

• Substantial professional experience in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines. Demonstrated ability to carry out independent, creative research within an established framework.
• A strong publication and/or presentation track record in the field of x-ray nano-diffractive optics. This may include x-ray optical techniques, x-ray experimental techniques, or nanofabrication of x-ray optics.
• Expertise modeling x-ray interactions with matter, or using optical modeling software suitable for x-ray optical systems. Expertise with modeling custom optical elements, in particular diffractive elements.
• Expertise applying lithography techniques for nanofabrication. Familiarity with state-of-the-art e-beam lithography instrumentation.
• Expertise with characterization tools for nanofabrication, especially SEM, AFM, and/or TEM.
• Ability to supervise staff when required. Ability to lead small projects involving fellow scientists, engineers, technical staff, and junior scientists. Ability to work independently and creatively.
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of the properties of x-ray light sources, beamlines, beamline optics, and/or x-ray experimental techniques will be helpful.
• Experience in the design and implementation, commissioning, testing, and use of x-ray optical elements, beamlines, or beamline optical systems. Direct experience with zone plates and nanodiffractive structures will be highly beneficial.
  

Required Application Materials:

A total of 3 documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Cover Letter (2 pages maximum).
• Relevant Publishing Record.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by January 5th, 2025.
• This is a full time 2 year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. A Career position will be considered for those who have relevant experience or for existing Career-Track or Term staff who have already exhausted the number of years eligible to hold a Career-Track role.
• If hired at a Level 1:
  
  
  
  • This position is expected to pay $7,624 to $12,198 per month, which fits within the full salary range of $7,624 to $18,297 per month for this position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications, skills, knowledge, and abilities, including relevant education, certifications, and years of experience, and aligned with an internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
  
  
  
  
• If hired at a Level 2:
  
  
  
  • This position is expected to pay $8,928 to $14,287 per month, which fits within the full salary range of $8,928 to $21,429 per month for this position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications, skills, knowledge, and abilities, including relevant education, certifications, and years of experience, and aligned with an internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
  
  
  
  
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• 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.