Sr. Scientific Engineering Associate

Join the team at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Molecular Foundry Division as a Sr. Scientific Engineering Associate in the Imaging and Manipulation Facility. The Molecular Foundry is a Department of Energy-funded nanoscience research user facility that provides scientists from around the world access to cutting-edge expertise and instrumentation in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment through a simple peer-reviewed application process. As a Senior Scientific Engineering Associate, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and materials scientists in the Imaging and Manipulation Facility, developing state-of-the-art characterization tools for nanostructured materials from atomic defects in 2D materialsto soft matter.

We offer a collaborative and dynamic work environment at the forefront of nanoscience research, and we welcome applicants who are passionate about building scientific tools, working across disciplines, and performing technically challenging experiments. 

What You Will Do:

• Facilitate research that utilizes scanned probe microscopy instrumentation.

• Collaborate with staff and users to build novel instruments and conduct experiments.

• Learn and apply new modes of SPM operation.

• Manage a portfolio of user proposals and serve as the scientific contact person for these projects.

• Train users to operate instruments and organize access.

• Develop, maintain, and document training protocols.

• Manage interfacility collaboration and access to SPM instrumentation.

• Provide recommendations for technical enhancements to existing methodologies and laboratory practices.

• Advise and organize data management and analysis tools.

• Collaborate on automation and integration of our SPM instrumentation into Scope Foundry, our cross-platform data collection and analysis software.Advocate for and maintain the highest safety protocols.

• Help maintain a stock of essential materials and supplies for research with the SPM instruments.

• Coordinate instrument repairs and service contracts.

• Coordinate with building facilities.

• Actively participate in the Foundry community through committee, seminar, and workshop participation.

• Perform all duties with limited direction on day-to-day work and require less specific instruction on new assignments.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Help maintain safety documentation and training.

• Contribute to technical reports, policy support documentation, and training documentation and videos. 

• Flexibility to perform other duties as needed.

• Demonstrate a commitment to the LBL principles of stewardship, safe working practices, and inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. preferred in a scientific or technical field closely related to nanoscience and/or equivalent work experience. 

• Research experience doing nanoscale characterization using SPM.

• Ability to design and build instrumentation.

• Familiarity with the SPM literature

• Familiarity and competence using laboratory tools.

• Familiarity with programming and data analysis.

• Demonstrated respect for safety awareness and adherence in the laboratory setting.

• Excellent organizational skills and self-motivation.

• Ability to work as part of a diverse team and demonstrate respect for all. 

• Attention to detail.

• Experience and interest in training and teaching others.

• Experience and interest in mentoring others.

• Experience working under limited supervision.

• Desire to facilitate outstanding science.

• Good oral and written communication skills. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Scientific publication record

• Experience doing AFM in liquid.

• Experience doing AFM/STM in UHV.

• Experience doing Near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and/or nanoscale infrared imaging and spectrometry (nanoIR). 

• Python programming experience.

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, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• This position is expected to pay $7,853.00 - $9,817.00/month, which fits within the full salary range of $7,853.00 - $13,254.00 for the Sr Scientific Engr Assoc. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also 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.

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.