Staff Scientist–Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is one of five U.S. Department of Energy Nanoscale Science Research Centers. These multidisciplinary research centers are at the forefront of nanoscale science, providing state-of-the-art expertise and instrumentation to a diverse, international community. As a knowledge-based user facility, the Molecular Foundry draws users from academia, national labs, and industry.

Join our vibrant, collaborative community in the National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM) facility! This center uses advanced electron microscopy to correlate material properties with microstructural and microchemical traits. As a Staff Scientist, you will lead a cutting-edge research program that leverages our collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, with a special focus on low-temperature research and computational microscopy.

This position is open to both career-track and career applications and the level at which the candidate will be hired is based on the experience and accomplishments.

Career-track Scientist Responsibilities:

• Design and lead a robust individual research program related to the Molecular Foundry's research themes as a principal investigator (PI). See Research Themes and FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN for more information.
• The research area of primary interest is the broad development and application of low temperature transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and data science to materials science problems.
• Develop a thriving multidisciplinary user program, attracting users from industry, academia, and national labs, through the development of unique expertise and capabilities based on TEM.
• Work with staff members to provide scientific and equipment support for users and create and participate in collaborative research efforts beyond the abilities of a single PI laboratory.
• Prepare scientific results for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at seminars and conferences.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to graduate students, postdocs, research associates, scientific and technical staff as appropriate, and assist in the management of research projects.
• Maintain a safe and inclusive working environment.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Lead the development of grant proposals to secure external funding for advancing research projects and user programs at the Molecular Foundry.

Career Staff Scientist Responsibilities:

• In addition to the responsibilities above, a career staff scientist will be expected to perform all of the duties above with a higher level of independence and autonomy and have demonstrated abilities for the above tasks.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, or another discipline relevant to electron microscopy characterization and nanoscience, and/or equivalent years of relevant work experience.
• Research experience and an established track record working independently in the field of TEM materials science research at an academic, industrial, or other research institution.
• Productivity in areas related to transmission electron microscopy research, demonstrated by (for example) publications, talks at national and international meetings, and patents.
• High level of technical proficiency using advanced transmission electron microscopes
• Excellent oral and written communications skills and the desire and ability to collaborate with multiple research groups across disciplines.
• Safety conscious with experience practicing positive safety culture.
• Ability and interest to mentor, educate, and support other scientists.

In addition to the requirements above, a Career Staff Scientist:

• Must have at least 5 years research experience and an established track record working at academic, industrial, or other research institutions.
• Be recognized as an active, high-impact contributor as perceived internally by management and peers.
• Supervisory experience and experience requesting and managing a budget.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with biological and/or materials science based cryogenic TEM experiments. 
• Experience in the development of novel data processing and analysis techniques for large-scale and/or multidimensional electron microscopy data.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment that emphasizes team science.

For full consideration, please apply by November 8, 2024.

Requested Application Materials: 

A total of 5 documents is requested:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Cover Letter (2 pages maximum).
• Research Statement: please provide a 5-page (maximum) research statement outlining the research you intend to conduct over the next 5 years and your qualifications for this research. This covers the 50% of your time dedicated to personal research as a facility Staff Scientist.
• User Program Vision: please include a separate 2-page document outlining the kind of user program you envision building in this role. This should include the scientific community you plan to attract as users leveraging your scientific expertise and the unique capabilities you will enable. Please consider scientific communities beyond those currently served by the Molecular Foundry.
• IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability) Statement: please include a 1-page (maximum) document addressing the following three questions. Information about IDEA at Berkeley Lab can be found at this link: https://diversity.lbl.gov/ideaberkeleylab/
• What is your understanding of IDEA?
• What contributions to IDEA Principles have you made in the past?
• What are your plans for applying and promoting IDEA as a Staff Scientist?

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2-year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed up to a maximum of five years. The role may be converted to career 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.
• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• This position is expected to pay This position is expected to pay $127,132.00 - $203,428.00/year, which fits within the full salary range of $127,132.00 - $305,111.00/year for the Staff Scientist position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, plus alignment with the internal peer group.
• 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.

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.