X-Ray Optics Specialist

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Advanced Light Source Division has an opening for an X-Ray Optics Specialist to join the team.

As a scientist specializing in the development of x-ray optics and optical systems, you'll be at the forefront of designing, specifying, creating, testing, and using state-of-the-art beamlines, endstations, and experimental systems. Your contributions will drive forefront scientific tools at our user facility, harnessing ultrabright synchrotron beams with nano-scale precision. As the Advanced Light Source transitions to a diffraction-limited storage ring, you will participate 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.

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:

Level S13.1 Research Scientist Responsibilities

• Collaboratively plan, design, develop, test, and implement a wide variety of x-ray optical and experimental systems.
• Model, design, tolerance, and study beamline optical elements and optical systems using cutting-edge software tools.
• Work with vendors and partners worldwide to specify, procure, create, test, and refine optical elements and systems.
• Conduct personal research in x-ray optics and optical systems to advance the scientific program of the ALS. Collaborate with leading groups worldwide.
• Maintain effective communication of project status and priorities with division and laboratory management. Document and disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and reviews.
• Uphold Laboratory Stewardship values and promote ethical fair conduct in all aspects of our work.

Level S13.3 Staff Scientist Responsibilities (In addition to S13.1 noted above):

• Prepare proposals and communicate directly with funding agencies.
• Lead large or small projects, making significant advances and contributions to the field. May supervise staff conducting R&D projects.
• Lead publication and presentation efforts, gaining recognition and disseminating research findings.

What is Required: 

Level S13.1 Research Scientist

• PhD or equivalent experience in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines and 2+ years of professional experience designing and building complex optical systems.
• Experience in designing, implementing, testing, and using optical systems or experimental techniques.
• Publishing record in optics, preferably with direct x-ray optics experience.
• Proficiency in modeling optical systems using programming languages like Python or Matlab.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Level 13.3 Staff Scientist (In addition to S13.1 noted above):

• PhD or equivalent experience in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines and 5+ years of professional experience designing and building complex optical systems.
• Experience with x-ray optical modeling software.
• Ability to lead projects and work independently.
• Experience in designing and implementing x-ray beamlines and optical systems.
• Substantial publishing and presentation track record in x-ray optics.
• Working knowledge of the properties of synchrotron radiation sources and beamlines: power spectra, optical properties of materials, optical elements and optical systems. 
• Experience with x-ray optical system projects from conceptual design through completion and commissioning.
• May have experience leading and supervising scientific, engineering, or technical staff.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with grating monochromators and photon diagnostics/detectors.
• Knowledge of coherent and partially coherent optical systems.
• Experience with diffractive optics, adaptive optics, reflective optics, or crystal optics.

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.
• The Research Scientist (S13.1) is expected to pay $89,340 - $142,944, which fits within the full salary range of $89,340-$214,416.
• The Staff Scientist (S13.3) position is expected to pay $124,152 - $198,660, which fits within the full salary range of $124,152-$297,960.
• 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.