X-Ray Instrumentation Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division is seeking a talented and motivated X-Ray Instrumentation Scientist to join our team. As an X-Ray Instrumentation Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in designing, creating, and implementing cutting-edge scientific instrumentation and new capabilities at the forefront of scientific discovery. You will contribute to the maintenance and upgrade of ongoing projects while also spearheading the development of innovative ideas and designs for future scientific tools.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard x-ray, and infrared regimes attract nearly 1,700 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 11,000 users annually. The ALS has been a global leader in soft x-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art x-ray capabilities. It’s an exciting time to join our team!

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate with researchers in the Photon Science group to design, develop, and implement state-of-the-art x-ray experimental systems aligned with the mission of ALS.
• Work alongside scientists, engineers, and technicians to generate ideas and plans for new instruments, fostering a culture of innovation.
• Contribute to the strategic planning process for the group, the facility, and partner organizations, ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
• Develop comprehensive plans for the safe commissioning, testing, and operation of experimental systems, prioritizing operational excellence.
• Conduct personal research in x-ray optics, optical systems, instrumentation, experimental systems, and scientific applications, contributing to the advancement of ALS’s scientific program.
• Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications, as well as oral presentations at conferences, meetings, and peer reviews.
• Adhere to Laboratory, Division, and Program Conduct of Operations, Quality Assurance, and Safety policies and procedures, ensuring a culture of safety and compliance.
• Collaborate on the generation and submission of project and funding proposals, seizing opportunities for partnerships with researchers and scientific/industrial entities.
• Foster a collaborative environment by familiarizing technical staff, engineers, researchers, and users with beamline or scientific equipment operations under your direction, emphasizing safety and adherence to ES&H regulations.
• Oversee the creation of documentation for projects, experiment plans, quality assurance, experimental system operation, and technical and safety reviews.
• Maintain effective communication of project status and priorities with division and laboratory management, as well as partnered groups and stakeholders.
• Uphold Laboratory Stewardship values, promoting integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of work.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines, demonstrating a broad knowledge of and experience in synchrotron radiation science and instrumentation.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience beyond the highest degree appropriate to the candidate’s discipline.
• Proven experience in the design, implementation, testing, and utilization of x-ray experimental systems and techniques.
• Strong publication record in the field of x-ray optics and/or x-ray experimental techniques, showcasing expertise and contributions to the scientific community.
• Working knowledge of the properties of high-brightness synchrotron radiation sources.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including physicists, engineers, technical support staff, and collaborating scientists.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, enabling effective dissemination of scientific findings and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in the design and implementation, commissioning, testing, and utilization of x-ray beamlines and beamline optical systems.
• Proficiency in modern computing languages for simulation and data analysis, facilitating innovative approaches to research and development.
• Familiarity with the design, specification, testing, and use of coherent optical systems.
• Understanding of x-ray optical properties of materials, with additional knowledge of partially coherent light and imaging systems considered beneficial.
• Expertise in designing beamline optical systems, including monochromators, photon diagnostics, and detectors, will be advantageous.
• Experience in the design, testing, implementation, and commissioning of various optical systems, such as diffractive optics (e.g., zone plates and gratings), adaptive optics, monochromators, reflective optics, and/or crystal optics, will be valuable.
• Familiarity with cryogenic experimental systems, experiment control systems, scientific detector systems, UHV vacuum systems and practices, thermal management, radiation shielding, and safety will be beneficial.

Required Application Materials:

• Please submit an application with a current resume, including an updated publication record, and a cover letter detailing your qualifications for the position.
• Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to the synchrotron radiation science and instrumentation and how they can contribute to the Scientific Vision of the Energy Sciences Area. (1 page limit)

This position will remain open until filled.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab’s Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Join us at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s ALS Division and contribute to pioneering scientific research, technological advancements, and the growth of our world-class facility. Apply today to be part of our team driving innovation and discovery in x-ray instrumentation and beyond.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• 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.
• This position is expected to pay $10,084.00 –  $16,135.00/month, which fits within the full salary range of  $10,084.00 – $24,201.00/month for the Physicist Staff Scientist. 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.

The core values of the ALS reflect a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek candidates who will support a culture in which each member of the community feels welcomed and valued. An ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a vibrant, diverse, and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a strong and successful lab community. For more information refer to the LBNL core values and the ALS mission statement and core values.

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.