X-ray Optics Development Postdoctoral Researcher

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is excited to announce an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to play a pivotal role in advancing the field of X-ray instrumentation. This position offers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in diffraction gratings for next-generation X-ray spectroscopy and scattering instruments. Collaborating within the Photon Science Development group and the renowned Molecular Foundry, you’ll engage in innovative design, process development, fabrication, and characterization of advanced X-ray gratings and grating-based systems. This research is integral to a comprehensive program dedicated to diffractive optics development at the ALS.

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:

• Design and develop ultra-low blaze angle gratings for X-ray spectroscopy.
• Create methods for grating replication to enable massively parallel X-ray optical systems.
• Evaluate and optimize the performance, stability, and environmental compatibility of replica optics.
• Prototype a high-throughput X-ray spectrometer using multiple gratings.
• Collaborate extensively with internal and external researchers to enhance scientific innovation.
• Document your work through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.
• Uphold ALS core values in all aspects of your work.

What is Required:

• A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or an equivalent field.
• Expertise in nanofabrication processes such as nanoimprinting, plasma etch, thin-film deposition, or wet etch.
• A strong understanding of the physics underlying nanofabrication techniques, with creativity to develop novel approaches.
• Ability to independently generate research plans and conduct hands-on experimental work.
• A proven record of disseminating research through conferences and publications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency with characterization techniques, including SEM, AFM, TEM, X-ray diffractometry, and phase-shifting interferometry.
• Experience in optimizing nanofabrication processes.
• Familiarity with ray-tracing software for optical systems.

Notes:

• This position will remain open until filled. 
• Appointment Type: This is a full time 2-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary Range: This position has a targeted monthly salary range of $7,716.00- $8,619 and is expected to start at $7,716.00 or above. 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 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.
• Location: Work primarily onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich 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. 

Salary : $7,716 - $8,619