Electron Microscopy Project Scientist

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is one of five U.S. Department of Energy Nanoscale Science Research Centers. One of seven facilities at the Molecular Foundry, the National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM) facility uses advanced electron microscopy to correlate microstructural and microchemical traits to material properties and processing factors. The facility develops experimental electron microscopy techniques, data analysis algorithms, and instrumentation while also supporting scientists with a wide range of experience in the theory and application of electron characterization. The Materials Science Division (MSD) at LBL contains core research programs that focus on the discovery and control of quantum materials and systems, novel materials platforms for future energy needs, and the accelerated design and synthesis of materials and assemblies. This position addresses the need to incorporate electron microscopy measurements performed at the NCEM facility into automated materials synthesis efforts occurring within MSD.

This position is for a Project Scientist within the NCEM facility. This position is to support activities related to the ongoing Electron Distillery 2.0 project by addressing facility needs for sample preparation automation, rapid sample conductivity screening, and data handling for automated electron microscopy. The duties associated with this position center around incorporating the upcoming JEOL electron microscope into automated characterization pipelines (such as the A-lab) with the specific goal of performing high throughput structural characterization on ionic conductors synthesized in the MSD.

This position will conclude at the end of the Electron Distillery 2.0 Program, which is anticipated to close in September 2026.

What You Will Do:

• Develop, test, and implement hardware to automate electron microscopy sample preparation for nanoparticles in solution and dry powders synthesized at the Foundry and by MSD researchers.
• Develop a testing platform to perform rapid ionic conductivity screening measurements of synthesized dry powders.
• Develop data handling workflows to rapidly analyze data output from the JEOL instrument, such as 4D-STEM data analysis.
• Work with researchers in the Distillery who are automating transmission electron microscopy data acquisition and analysis protocols to implement these methods onto the JEOL.
• Use high throughput conductivity and TEM measurements to study newly developed ionic conductors from A-lab.
• Maintain a safe working environment and demonstrate respect for environmental protection, health and safety, and help instill those aspects in all staff and users of the Molecular Foundry.
• Maintain and develop a diverse and inclusive working environment using and building upon existing programs within the Molecular Foundry and Berkeley Lab.

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 at an academic, industrial or other research institution developing solutions to complex problems that require regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
• An established track record working independently in the field of TEM materials science research demonstrated by (for example) publications, talks at national and international meetings, or patents.
• Experience developing Python notebooks for 4D-STEM analysis.
• Experience automating TEM sample preparation.
• Experience implementing and testing electron microscopy equipment, such as new detectors or sample holders.
• High level of technical proficiency using advanced transmission electron microscopes
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the desire and ability to collaborate with multiple research groups across disciplines.
• Safety conscious with experience practicing a positive safety culture.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in a collaborative environment that emphasizes team science.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by November 15, 2024.
• This is a full-time term appointment ending on September 30th, 2026, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a Career appointment based on satisfactory job performance, continued availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• This position is expected to pay $94,500.00-$120,700. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned 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.

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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.

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