Postdoctoral Researcher for Solid-Liquid Interfaces
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.
In this position, you will finalize the design of a liquid cell for solid/liquid interface studies with ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron (APXPS) and X-ray absorption (XAS) spectroscopies. You will study chemical and electronic structures of dye-sensitized solar cells and their components, including pH dependent behavior and oxidation/reduction chemistry. In this position, you will be a member of the Interface Science and Catalysis Group working under the supervision of Ashley Head. Though the position is centered at the CFN, you will work in collaboration with staff at NSLS-II and the Chemistry Division.
Position Description
Roles and Responsibilities
As the Research Associate, you will have these roles and responsibilities:
- You will study the chemical and electronic structures of dye-sensitized solar cells and their components.
- You will complete the assembly and the commissioning of a solid/liquid cell that is compatible with APXPS studies at the CFN and XAS experiments at NSLS-II.
- You will adapt literature procedures to make metal oxide membranes for the cell to facilitate measurements of pH-dependent behavior of components of dye-sensitized solar cells.
Position Requirements
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
You are qualified for this role if:
- You earned a Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, etc.) within the past five years.
- You are skilled in using and modifying ultra-high vacuum (UHV) equipment.
- You have experience with synchrotron- or laboratory-based photoemission or X-ray absorption studies.
- You have demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in experimental science by publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
- 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 have experience in liquid cells for spectroscopy studies.
- You have performed in situ or operando spectroscopy experiments.
- You work effectively in a collaborative team to tackle challenging scientific problems, particularly in leading peers while conducting experiments.
- You communicate effectively, both verbally and through technical writing.
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 Lab, we believe comprehensive employee benefits are a meaningful part of employee compensation. Our benefits program includes:
- Medical Plans
- Vacations
- Holidays
- Dental Plans
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Retirement Plan
- On site swimming pool, weight room tennis courts, and other employee benefits
We invite you to consider working at Brookhaven Lab. To be considered for this position, apply online at www.bnl.gov and click Jobs, then sort by job ID and apply to job #.
Brookhaven National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring that you receive full consideration for employment. No one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
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.
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