APXPS Beamline Research Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division has an opening for a APXPS Beamline Research Scientist specializing in ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS). This role focuses on both the operation and maintenance of APXPS beamlines and driving scientific discoveries in catalytic and electrochemical systems using soft and tender x-rays.

As a Research Scientist, you will play a crucial role in managing the unique APXPS beamlines, with an emphasis on in situ and operando studies. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the lab and globally, leading the development of APXPS capabilities and supporting scientific programs. This position demands advanced analytical skills, initiative, and independence to enhance APXPS’s in situ and operando characterization capabilities at ALS. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of time-resolved data collection, processing, and analysis in partnership with scientists and software engineers.

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 X-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

What You Will Do:

Technical:

• Provide scientific and technical expertise for state-of-the-art synchrotron APXPS beamlines at the Advanced Light Source (ALS).
• Operate, maintain, and optimize soft and tender x-ray APXPS endstations, with a focus on in situ and operando interfacial studies and time-resolved capabilities.
• Offer high-level user support for beamline operations, ensuring safe work practices and providing both remote and in-person assistance.
• Promote and embody the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) and Stewardship.
• Practice Integrated Safety Management (ISM) in all work aspects.

Scientific:

• Develop new collaborations and partnerships with ALS users, focusing on energy, chemistry, and material science, particularly in situ, operando, and time-resolved studies.
• Document and communicate your research through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at workshops and conferences.
• Conduct experiments at APXPS beamlines and publish findings in scientific journals.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. or equivalent work experience in energy, physics, chemistry, or material science.
• Minimum 1+ years of after-Ph.D. relevant experience in instrumentation and/or scientific studies.
• Experience and enthusiasm in x-ray spectroscopy experiments and scientific analysis.
• Highly developed analytical and quantitative skills, initiative, and independence. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and drive projects in an interactive team setting, including the ability to manage competing priorities, and provide quality work on schedule.
• Demonstrated capability of conducting scientific research and publishing/presenting the results.
• Demonstrated collaborative skills for contributions to certain scientific projects in a supporting role.
• Ability to organize and lead collaborative projects involving engineers and scientists.
• Desire to work in a multidisciplinary scientific research environment, collaborating with a variety of engineers and scientists at all levels with different knowledge backgrounds.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in leading large-scale collaboration involving scientists and engineers with different academic backgrounds.
• Experience in vacuum techniques, equipment maintenance, and instrumentation design.
• Experience working at a synchrotron APXPS beamline and supporting/working with users in a dynamic environment.
• Hands-on experience in x-ray ultra-high vacuum instrumentation.
• Experience with in situ or operando experimental design and operation
• Experience or knowledge of analyzing surface properties or interfaces with APXPS.

Required Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• Publication list
• Statement of research experience and interests

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by September 30th, 2024.
• This is a full time 2 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment 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.
• 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 $89,340 - $142,944 per year, which fits within the full salary range of $89,340 - $214,416 per year for the S13.1 - Physicist Research Sci/Engr job classification. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the 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
• 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.