Pair Distribution Function Beamline, PDF (28-ID-1) is a high energy & high-flux wiggler powder diffraction beamline within the Hard X-ray Scattering & Spectroscopy (HXSS) Program at the National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. In addition to its state-of-the-art PDF setup, the beamline also offers complementary small angle scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) capabilities. Beamline user program is mainly focused on but not limited to strongly correlated materials, energy conversion and storage systems, and heterogeneous catalysts research. An artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) based software infrastructure is currently under development to support autonomous experiments with real-time data analysis and modeling capabilities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The NSLS-II is seeking an experienced scientist to support the user program and operations of the PDF beamline closely working with the Lead Beamline Scientist. The selected candidate will be encouraged to participate in internal and external scientific & technical collaborations that leverage the unique capabilities of the beamline. They will actively work for enhancing the beamline throughput, productivity, and impact.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• User support at the PDF beamline.
• Develops and operates highly specialized equipment and x-ray advanced methods, enhancing the beamline throughput and productivity (including remote user operation).
• Collaborates with internal staff and external users for scientific & technical research and development.
• Contributions to the design, implementation, and maintenance of in-situ/operando capabilities at the PDF beamline and documentation.
• Works with beamline support groups and contributes to the development of an AI/ML based python software infrastructure to support autonomous experiments with real-time data analysis and modeling capabilities.
• Reaches out and engages with external researchers to promote a strong science program.
• Assists with preparation of funding proposals and beamline progress reports.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD. in physics, materials science, chemistry or related field
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience
• Proven track record of materials structure characterization using synchrotron/neutron powder diffraction and/or total scattering techniques.
• Proven track record of using python for data visualization and reduction/processing.
• Experience with computational diffraction and analysis/modeling of atomic structures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technical staff, and users.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in supporting users at a synchrotron or a neutron facility.
• Prior experience in the design, installation, commissioning, and/or operation of components and/or instruments for synchrotron X-ray and/or neutron diffraction.
• Experience in robotics, and/or automation of experimentation.
• Proposed personal research interest aligned with the scientific mission of the NSLS-II.
• Experience with collaborative code development using version control platforms.

Other Information:

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $110000 - $150000 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.