Laboratory Manager/Team Lead

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Molecular Foundry Division has an opening for a Laboratory Manager/Team Lead, Materials Science to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will lead and contribute to groundbreaking research projects focused on data-driven inorganic material synthesis and automated experiments. Your work will drive advancements in automated workflow development efforts, supporting transformative materials science research. Specifically, you will be involved in two major projects: one advancing data-driven inorganic material synthesis toward automation, and another centered around an in situ synthesis and characterization platform at the Advanced Light Source (ALS), beamline 12.3.2. You will collaborate with world-class researchers, operate cutting-edge facilities, and play a key role in shaping the future of materials discovery.

What You Will Do:

Data-Driven Materials Synthesis and Automation:  

• Design and build a new in-line spectroscopy characterization module for a robotic platform.
• Develop closed-loop automated workflows for material synthesis using Python-based control software.
• Synthesize oxide materials through chemical solution processing and calcination.
• Conduct structural and spectroscopic characterization of materials.
• Analyze large datasets and contribute to machine learning platforms for closed-loop experimentation.

Collaboration and Research

• Collaborate with LBNL researchers to leverage high-throughput synthesis and characterization platforms for materials discovery.
• Work closely with material scientists and chemists to design purpose-built datasets addressing material formation.

Technical User Support at the Advanced Light Source (ALS)

• Operate and maintain in situ synthesis and characterization platforms at ALS beamline 12.3.2.
• Provide training and technical guidance to ALS users on multimodal in situ characterization techniques.
• Ensure the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of beamline experiments, including spin coater operations.
• Improve ALS spin coater reliability and throughput through hardware and software development.

What is Required:

• PhD preferred in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Equivalent years of education and experience will also be considered.
• Proficiency in programming for instrument control and data analysis, preferably via Python.
• Demonstrated experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Experience with synchrotron-based in situ characterization.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with a track record of mentoring students or collaborating on multidisciplinary projects.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, including managing radiation and laser hazards.
• Strong publication record.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience developing or modifying instrument control software and APIs to enable data flows between instrumentation systems.
• Expertise in high-throughput thin-film synthesis and characterization.
• Proven ability to manage collaborations and user programs.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by February 20, 2025.
• 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.
• This position is expected to pay a monthly salary of $7,497.00-$8,800.00 for the 381.4 job code. 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.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• 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.

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.

The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build 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.

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