Nanotechnology Community
HomeThe SocietyNano HubMembershipBenefitsHow Are Fellows Elected?For Reviewers

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Atmospheric Scientist

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. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country. Our organization fully supports service members transitioning from active duty to civilian life and pledge’s our commitment to actively hire veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Military personnel who have been formally trained or have relevant experience obtained while in service may meet educational requirements and are encouraged to apply for job opportunities at BSA.


Organizational Overview



The Environmental & Climate Sciences Department (ECSD) (www.bnl.gov/envsci) at Brookhaven National Laboratory focuses on a wide range of theoretical, experimental, and field studies in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's climate and energy research agendas. Work is supported by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility (www.arm.gov), an observations-based program that measures aerosols, clouds, precipitation, radiation, and atmospheric dynamics; the Atmospheric Systems Research Program (https://asr.science.energy.gov/), and the Environmental System Science Program (https://ess.science.energy.gov/). This work is pursued with the ultimate goal of improving predictability and reducing the uncertainty in global and regional climate models. The department research portfolio also includes development of environmental technologies and applications for renewable energies, urban science, and national security.


The Aerosol Chemistry & Microphysics Group (https://www.bnl.gov/envsci/aerosol/) within ECSD is focused on improving process-level understanding of aerosol formation and evolution mechanisms, aerosol absorption, and the direct and indirect influences that aerosols have on clouds, precipitation and climate. Understanding the physics, chemistry and dynamics of interactions along this aerosol-cloud-precipitation continuum is crucial for development of a predictive understanding of the climate system.


Position Description


The Aerosol Chemistry & Microphysics Group seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance understanding of the atmospheric boundary layer dynamics that control the spatial distribution and timing of new particle formation (NPF) – the formation of new aerosol from gas-phase precursors. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in aerosol instrument development, observational field deployments, and the synthesis of observational data sets of atmospheric boundary layer dynamics and aerosol properties. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

NPF is an important environmental nano-scale process, with field measurements and modeling studies indicating that freshly formed particles can contribute significantly to the global population of aerosol and cloud condensation nuclei. While there have been an increasing number of NPF measurements from surface-based platforms, there have been very few measurements of vertically-resolved NPF from aerial platforms. Vertically-resolved atmospheric NPF measurements are needed because aerosol formation in the upper troposphere may be a significant source of cloud condensation nuclei. Furthermore, these vertically-resolved measurements are needed to connect the atmospheric conditions that drive atmospheric NPF with large-scale boundary layer transport processes and meteorology. In this project, we will be utilizing observations of boundary layer dynamics and vertically-resolved nanoparticle concentrations (https://www.arm.gov/research/campaigns/sgp2020npfstudy) to understand how local micrometeorology and boundary layer dynamics control the evolution and distribution of boundary layer aerosol properties and processes.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:


Analyze co-located observations of atmospheric dynamics and spatially-distributed aerosol Determine the atmospheric controls on aerosol spatial and temporal dynamics Publish in peer-reviewed journals Present at national and international meetings

Position Requirements



Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


Ph.D. in aerosol science, atmospheric science, meteorology, engineering, or a closely related field Experience with using remotely sensed observations of atmospheric boundary layer aerosol, dynamics, and meteorology Clear and concise verbal and written communication and collaboration skills Ability to develop and pursue independent research ideas Ability to work well in a diverse team across cultures and experiences

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


Experience with using in-situ observations of newly formed aerosol A record of publication in high quality, internationally recognized journals

Other:


BNL policy requires that after obtaining a 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. Review of applications begins immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The initial term appointment will be one year, subject to renewal contingent on funding and performance. Research will be under the direction of Dr. Chongai Kuang.

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 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.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Apply for this Job
The Society
Our Mission
Fellowships
Nano Hub