Scientific Associate – Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopy

Organization 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 Scientific Associate to conduct research directed towards the production of clean fuels & products from electrochemical conversion of CO2. In this role, you will develop methodology for multimodal operando spectroscopy and microscopy characterization of key functional properties on well-defined electrocatalysts, coupling with spatially resolved probes. You will be a member of the Interface Science and Catalysis group working under the supervision of Dario Stacchiola. 2 year term assignment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

As a Scientific Associate, you will have these roles and responsibilities:

• You will develop a new facility for spatially resolved electrochemical measurements, making use of a scanning probe microscope that will be upgraded with the capability for simultaneous scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM).
• You will integrate a workflow of methods to determine electrocatalyst's structure-function correlations, including: i) spatially resolved methods for measuring activity using the new dual electrochemical scanning microscope; ii) correlation with existing multimodal operando vibrational microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy and iii) Machine Learning aided multimodal data analysis and reaction mechanism determination.
• You will contribute to the synthesis of thin-film and nanoparticle electrocatalyst libraries in collaboration with other members at the CFN.
• You will collaborate with scientific staff with diverse backgrounds including surface science, condensed matter physics, synchrotron X-ray science, material synthesis, data analytics, electron microscopy, physical modeling, and materials theory.
• You will disseminate research findings via paper publications and external presentations.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

You are qualified for this role if:

• You earned a bachelor's degree, in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline, and a minimum of three (3) years of related work experience including supporting scientific research programs following established methods and standards for investigation and experimentation.
• You have demonstrated experimental expertise in scanning probe microscopy.
• You have demonstrated experience in characterization (in-situ and/or ex-situ) and data analysis for materials and/or surface science.
• You communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations/proceedings.
• You are committed to creative and independent research, teamwork, and fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices.
• You are committed to cultivating an inclusive and respectful workplace environment.
  
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Master's degree preferred.
• You have experience in electrochemistry.
• You have experience in materials characterization and analysis based on surface science techniques (e.g., X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), IR/Raman microscopy)
• You have a working knowledge of thin-film synthesis.
• You have the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team to tackle challenging scientific problems.
  
  

Additional Information

• 2 year Term Appointment
  
  

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The salary range for this position is $78,700 - $110,400 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.