Optical Metrology Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Advanced Light Source Division has an opening for an Optical Metrology Scientist specializing in Optical Metrology to join our esteemed Photon Science Development Group.

In this role, you will lead the development and operation of optical metrology systems and a laboratory for cutting-edge x-ray optics approaching and exceeding diffraction-limited quality at x-ray wavelengths. As the Advanced Light Source transitions to a 4th generation storage ring, you will work with a highly motivated team of scientists, engineers, and technicians engaged in the creation of a new generation of unique systems that harness the high coherent flux and deliver light to a wide range of scientific applications. You will collaborate with leading groups worldwide to develop new tools and expand the forefront of our capabilities. If you're ready to make groundbreaking contributions to the field of optical physics, we want to hear from you!

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 nearly 1,700 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:

S13.3 Staff Scientist (Career-Track):

• Lead the operation and development of optical metrology instrumentation, driving the creation and measurement of world-class x-ray optics including mirrors, gratings, and crystals. Oversee metrology laboratory staff.
• Spearhead initiatives to explore novel approaches in pushing the boundaries of x-ray optical systems.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians at LBNL to plan, design, develop, test, and implement state-of-the-art x-ray experimental systems.
• Develop documentation supporting the operation and maintenance of advanced tools, ensuring effective knowledge transfer within the team.
• Generate project funding proposals and collaborate with researchers and industrial partners to secure external funding opportunities.
• Conduct personal research in x-ray optics, instrumentation, metrology, and beamline design to advance the goals of the ALS.
• Disseminate research results through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences and reviews.
• Maintain effective communication of project status and priorities with division and laboratory management, fostering professional engagement with leading researchers in the field.

S13.4 Staff Scientist (Career) 

Will be expected to perform the duties noted in section 13.3 plus

• Play a leadership role in the Laboratory’s research program and in strategic planning/decision-making for the group and the division.
• May supervise metrology laboratory staff.

What is Required:

• PhD or equivalent in years of relevant work experience in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines, as demonstrated by a broad knowledge of and experience in optical metrology and instrumentation.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience beyond the customary highest degree appropriate to the candidate’s discipline.
• Experience in the design, implementation, testing, and use of optical and/or x-ray experimental systems and techniques.
• Strong publishing record in the field of optics, optical metrology, optical engineering, x-ray optics, or x-ray experimental techniques.
• Working knowledge of the experimental methods and techniques for high-accuracy ex-situ metrology. Ability to develop specifications for optical systems and experimental measurement tools.
• Ability to lead creative development projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams effectively.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Experience using modern computer languages (Python, Matlab, etc.) for calculations, modeling, and data analysis.

S13.4 Staff Scientist (Career) (In Addition):

• Recognized as a resource and a high-impact leader in this field, with a track record of successful independent research and staff leadership. 
• Recognition through awards, invited talks, or leadership of high-profile collaborations and work advancing the field.
• Demonstrated accomplishments that significantly extended knowledge in this field. 
• Experience bringing projects from conceptual design through creation, testing, and commissioning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead successful, creative development projects, coordinating the work of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervision of engineers, technical staff, and/or junior scientists.
•  

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in the design and implementation, commissioning, testing, and use of x-ray beamlines and beamline optical systems is preferred.
• Experience in the design, specification, testing, and use of coherent optical systems. Proficiency with advanced computational methods for simulation and optimization of optical systems, enhancing the capability to design and evaluate complex optical components.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards relevant to optical instrumentation, such as ISO 17025  or ISO 9001 is beneficial.

Required Application Materials:

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

For full consideration, please apply by May 8th. 2024.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Notes:

• This is a full time, 2 year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career 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 $124,152 - $198,660, which fits within the full salary range of $124,152-$297,960 for the Physicist Staff Sci/Engr.
• 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 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.

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.

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.