Brookhaven National Laboratory is a multipurpose research institution funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Located on the center of Long Island, New York, Brookhaven Lab brings premier facilities and expertise to the most exciting and meaningful questions in basic and applied science—from the birth of our universe to the sustainable energy technology of tomorrow. We operate state-of-the-art large-scale facilities for studies in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, applied science, and a wide range of advanced technologies. Brookhaven Lab employs nearly 3,000 scientists, engineers, and support staff, and engages more than 4,000 visiting researchers from around the world each year. Our award-winning history, including seven Nobel Prizes, stretches back to 1947, and we continue to unravel mysteries from the nanoscale to the cosmic scale. Brookhaven Science Associates, a nonprofit applied science and technology organization, operates Brookhaven Lab for the U.S Department of Energy.
Organizational Overview
The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility, offering users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development and is the nexus of a broad collaboration network. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of nearly 600 external facility users.
Three strategic nanoscience themes underlie the CFN scientific facilities: The CFN conducts research on nanomaterial synthesis by assembly designing precise architectures with targeted functionality by organizing nanoscale components. The CFN researches and applies platforms for state-of-the-art techniques for Accelerated Nanomaterial Discovery, integrating synthesis, advanced characterization, physical modeling, and computer science to iteratively explore a wide range of material parameters. The CFN develops and utilizes advanced capabilities for studies of Nanomaterials in Operando Conditions for characterizing materials and reactions at the atomic scale in real-world environments.
Position Description
The CFN is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to work on the solution-synthesis of catalytic nanocrystals with precision control over morphologies, crystalline phases, compositions, and surface structures to develop advanced catalysts that have enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability. The CFN is developing a cutting-edge project that will embrace high-throughput automated synthesis platforms, in-situ characterizations, and artificial intelligence to autonomously synthesize well-defined targeted nano-catalysts. The successful candidate will have great opportunities to works with experts from interdisciplinary research areas spanning from nanoscience, synchrotron radiation, electrochemistry, physical modelling, and computational science.
Roles and Responsibilities
As the Postdoctoral Research Associate - Precision Nano-Synthesis for Advanced Catalysts, you will have these roles and responsibilities:
You will develop strategies for precise synthesis of catalytic nanocrystals for clean energy applications by devising a flow-based automated platform that enables high throughput synthesis and in-situ optical and synchrotron X-ray characterizations.
You will characterize structural, catalytic, and other properties of the synthesized materials.
You will collaborate with a broad range of domain experts to implement artificial intelligence guided workflows for autonomous synthesis and material discovery.
You will analyze the data to corroborate and support research findings as well as present and publish the results of these studies to the community.
You will collaborate with researchers and users with a broad range of interests.
Position Requirements
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
You are qualified for this role if:
You have earned a Ph.D. in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a suitable related discipline. You possess strong hands-on experience in solution-based chemical nano-synthesis and characterization of different types of nanomaterial systems using methods, such as TEM, SEM, X-ray diffraction and scattering, or optical spectroscopy and microscopy. You have strong skills in electrocatalysis studies of nanomaterials using various types of electrochemical techniques, such as ORR, HER, CO2RR, etc. You communicate effectively by writing scientific papers and verbally by giving clear technical presentations. You are committed to fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices. Preferred background and experience:
You are well-matched to this position if:
You collaborate effectively within a team to tackle challenging science problems, while also working independently on your broadly defined research objectives. You have experience with the development of customized instrumentation that enables high-throughput nano-synthesis or in-situ characterizations. You have demonstrated skills in using Python programming to efficiently conduct data analysis, solve scientific problems, or coordinate different pieces of scientific equipment. You have experience in utilizing in-situ synchrotron X-ray techniques to characterize nanomaterials. You communicate effectively, both verbally and through technical writing.
OTHER INFORMATION:
BNL policy requires that research associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past five years.
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.
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) Lab-funded Retirement Plan 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, Tennis, Softball, Table Tennis) 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, inclusive of the two-week waiting period, 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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