Spectroscopy Program Lead

The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory seeks a leader for the Spectroscopy Program within the Physical Sciences & Research Operations Division. The Spectroscopy Program is comprised of several beamlines that provide advanced spectroscopy capabilities to a wide, diverse scientific community. The Program beamlines allow researchers to use x-rays to interrogate structure, kinetics, and reactivity in a wide variety of materials in complex environments. The advanced spectroscopic tools are often used for in-situ studies of materials under operating, processing or environmental conditions relevant to diverse areas such as energy, health, microelectronics, geology, environment and planetary sciences. Using various electron and photon-based spectroscopic techniques, researchers can study materials and complex chemical processes under different environmental and operating conditions. This offers a powerful capability to correlate chemical and electronic information with materials functionality, which is crucial for establishing principles for novel materials design and the optimization of operating conditions.

As Spectroscopy Program Lead, the selected candidate will lead a diverse team of scientists and highly skilled technical staff in charge of operating a number of advanced X-ray spectroscopy beamlines at NSLS-II. The successful candidate will work with the other Program Leads, Group leaders and the Division Directors to develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure a highly productive, and impactful user science program that respects the diversity of its staff and users. The Program Lead will develop a vision and strategy for ensuring that the Spectroscopy Program beamlines remain state-of-the-art and serve the evolving research needs of the user community. The Program Lead will also identify key new beamlines to enhance the NSLS-II portfolio. The candidate will oversee the program and beamline staffing and budgets, and, may explore opportunities for external funding.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop a clear vision and strategy for the Program and set operational, development and scientific priorities towards the vision.
• Develop a strategic plan to enhance program operations and identify new high-impact X-ray spectroscopy capabilities.
• Assure that the Spectroscopy Program beamlines maintain high scientific productivity and state-of the-art capabilities.
• Manage and mentor the Program staff and develop pathways for their career advancement while promoting a sustainable work life balance.
• Organize the Program staffing structure to assure effective operations of the Program beamlines.
• Prioritize the Program’s needs for shared/matrixed resources at NSLS-II.
• Serve as member of the PSROD management team, and as a primary conduit for information between the Program staff and NSLS-II management.
• Contribute to the overall operations, development and growth of NSLS-II and where appropriate, BNL.
• Build and engage diverse and strategic user communities and ensure that the beamlines are serving their needs.
• Engage external partners as appropriate to develop new scientific capabilities.
• Oversee the program budget and explore appropriate opportunities for external funding.
• Oversee the beamtime utilization of program beamlines.
• Oversee, where appropriate, the Partner User and other agreements for the beamlines in the program.
• Establish and maintain an effective Safety culture that embraces the Safe Conduct of Research principles.
• Maintain an inclusive and respectful work environment.
• Serve as a role model for behavior that reflects BNL Values and holds staff accountable.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• PhD. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or other relevant field with 10 years experience in synchrotron-based research with significant experience using spectroscopy techniques.
• At least 4 years experience leading the operation of a synchrotron beamline and effectively supervising beamline staff.
• Considerable experience in synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy technique or beamline development, data acquisition and data analysis.
• Demonstrated successful experience with in-situ and operando measurements.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively in large and diverse teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and a proven ability to write and present research reports, grant proposals and publications.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• PhD. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or other relevant field with 15 years experience in synchrotron-based research with demonstrated scientific leadership in spectroscopy techniques.
• At least 6 years experience leading the operation of a synchrotron spectroscopy beamline and effectively supervising beamline staff.
• Knowledge, skills, and experience in successfully managing complex, technical teams.
• Comprehensive skill in effectively developing and managing fundamental research programs, research staff, and resources.
• National or International recognition demonstrated through participation on advisory committees, review panels, conference organizing committees, thesis examining committees, or other similar activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the beamline user community, sponsors, other group leaders and senior management.
  
  

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $152,700 - $254,117 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.