Postdoctoral Research Associate -Surface Science of PFAS - Brookhaven National Laboratory

The National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II), a U.S. DOE Office of Science User Facility operated for the DOE Office of Science by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), is seeking exceptional candidates for a postdoctoral position. The position is in the Complex Scattering Program. The work will make extensive use of the liquid interface scattering at the Soft Matter Interfaces (SMI) beamline of NSLS-II using a variety of X-ray scattering techniques, including grazing-incidence small- and wide-angle scattering (GISAXS/GIWAXS), and X-ray reflectivity along with X-ray fluorescence methods. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The successful candidate will join our effort to investigate monolayers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”. The investigation will use X-ray scattering, optical spectroscopy, tensiometry, and rheometry methods to understand the molecular structure and behavior of self-assembled PFAS monolayers at liquid interfaces in the presence of different ions and surfactants. The results of these studies will enhance the basic scientific understanding of interfacial structure-property relationships in fluorinated surfactants and enable improved methods for removal of PFAS from contaminated waters via sub-surface bubbling. The X-ray scattering measurements will take advantage of the unique synchrotron-based liquid surface spectrometer (only 2 in the US) at NSLS-II and the development of novel tender (2.05-5 keV) resonant X-ray liquid surface scattering. This work will be complemented by optical spectroscopy measurements carried out at BNL’s Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN). The candidate will collaborate with researchers at NSLS-II, CFN and universities. 

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

In this position, you will have the following roles and responsibilities:
• Perform experimental design, data collection and analysis from in situ liquid surface X-ray scattering experiments at NSLS-II.
• Collaborate to develop and commission novel tender X-ray liquid scattering and optical spectroscopy capabilities.
• Perform spectroscopy (IR and Raman, etc.) measurements. 
• Conduct surface tension, surface adsorption, and rheology measurements using lab-based tensiometers.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are qualified for this Research Associate position if:
• You earned a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or a related science or engineering discipline within the past five years or will complete this degree prior to starting the position.
• You are committed to creative and independent research, teamwork, and fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• You have a proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are well-matched to this position if you have some of the following:
• You have experience with PFAS detection, fate and transport, separation, or destruction.
• You have work experience in the field of surfactant science.
• You have experience with grazing-incidence X-ray scattering, and/or X-ray reflectivity.
• You have demonstrated experience with least-squares data fitting.
• You have knowledge of Python or other scientific programming languages.
• You have hands-on experience with commissioning, operating, and/or maintaining complex scientific instrumentation.

•  BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $70200 - $116200 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.