Job Description

The Advanced Light Source () Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory ( is seeking a Nanoprobe Instrumentation Postdoctoral researcher with a strong focus on the design and development of innovative scientific instrumentation . This position involves leading the development of a tender x-ray fluorescence nanoprobe microscope, contributing to a groundbreaking research and development program in preparation for the major upgrade to the ALS accelerator, ALS-U.

Working within the Microscopy Program in the Photon Science Operations group, the selected candidate will design, build, and implement novel instrumentation , collaborate on its commissioning, and collaborate on initial scientific studies using the new microscope at an existing microscopy beamline.

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 over 1,500 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 co-location of these user facilities - including the Molecular Foundry Nanoscale Science Research Center and the NERSC scientific computing center, as well as Berkeley Lab's outstanding programs in materials and chemical sciences, among others - offers a prime environment for collaborative science. 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 growing team!

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate on the design, development, and implementation of a tender x-ray fluorescence nanoprobe instrument , emphasizing novel approaches to instrumentation.

• Collaborate on the commissioning of the nanoprobe microscope and associated systems.

• Collaborate on tender x-ray microscopy experiments utilizing the newly developed and existing instruments.

• Innovate in hardware and software integration for high-precision microscopy.

• Work closely with engineers, scientists, and technical staff to refine system performance.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present work at conferences and group meetings.

• Ensure work aligns with ALS core values and Integrated Safety Management practices.

What is Required:

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or equivalent.

• Proven expertise in designing, developing, and building custom scientific instrumentation , preferably for microscopy or similar applications.

• Strong understanding of instrumentation mechanics, optics, and image formation .

• Experience integrating hardware and software for scientific systems.

• Demonstrated ability to perform independent, hands-on work in experimental environments.

• A track record of disseminating research through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with x-ray microscopy or fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy .

• Knowledge of vacuum systems and their integration into experimental instrumentation.

• Familiarity with challenges in instrumentation design for environmental science applications .

• Ability to develop advanced automation and alignment techniques for microscopy systems.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by March 18, 2025.
• This is a full-time, 2-year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience. This position has a targeted monthly salary range of $7,455-$8,326 and is expected to start at $7,455 or above.

• 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.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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