Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University.

Organizational Overview

The National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II), a DOE-funded scientific user facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory, is seeking exceptional candidates for a postdoctoral position within the Complex Scattering Program at NSLS-II to perform research on polymeric materials at the Complex Materials Scattering (CMS) beamline. Based on a three-pole-wiggler source, the CMS beamline facilitates efficient exploration of complex materials in vast material parameter spaces by providing high-throughput and streamlined (GI)SAXS/WAXS capabilities. The CMS beamline enables state-of-the-art research for a user community with wide research interests covering both soft and hard materials and a variety of applications, including polymeric and nano-composite materials, liquid and solid interfaces, nanomaterials, complex fluids, liquid crystals, biomolecular materials, and materials for energy conversion and storage. This diverse set of research activities is enabled by CMS’s cutting-edge in situ scattering capabilities.

Position Description

The NSLS-II is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a research effort on developing, implementing, and utilizing an in situ polymer processing and testing characterization platform at the x-ray scattering beamline. The research project will intersect with the ongoing CMS efforts to investigate polymer processing and testing under temperature control and mechanical force, including the development of beamline-compatible instruments and the in situ capabilities for x-ray scattering and, potentially, x-ray imaging. In particular, the candidate will investigate processing-structure-property relationships in polymeric materials, including kinetic pathways during processing and the interplay between microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties. The selected candidate will be supervised by the CMS lead scientist and work with a team of scientists and technical staff within the Complex Scattering programs, utilizing the hard x-ray scattering capabilities at the CMS. The successful candidate will collaborate with an industrial partner and will work alongside the industrial partner users on the beamline.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead independent research on polymer processing by utilizing x-ray scattering techniques
• Explore x-ray imaging methods for polymer and related soft materials
• Collaborate with industrial partner users and support their beam time

Position Requirements

• PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Experience with processing and characterizing polymeric materials
• Experience with x-ray scattering
• Ability to work independently and interact effectively in a collaborative team to tackle challenging scientific problems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations in polymer science

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Work experience in a synchrotron-based research environment
• Experience with thermal analysis, rheology, and/or mechanical testing of polymeric materials
• Demonstrated experience in in situ x-ray scattering and/or x-ray imaging
• Hands-on experience with commissioning, operating, and/or maintaining complex scientific instrumentation
• Knowledge of Python or other scientific programming languages

OTHER INFORMATION:

BNL policy requires that after obtaining their PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation:  Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis)

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.

Brookhaven Science Associates requires proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. Proof of full vaccination as recognized by the CDC and/or WHO is required at the start of your employment.

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

BNL takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file