Postdoctoral Research Associate – Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopy - Brookhaven National Laboratory

Organization Overview:

The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility, offering users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development and is the nexus of a broad collaboration network. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of nearly 600 external facility users.

Three strategic nanoscience themes underlie the CFN scientific facilities: The CFN conducts research on nanomaterial synthesis by assembly designing precise architectures with targeted functionality by organizing nanoscale components. The CFN researches and applies platforms for state-of-the-art techniques for Accelerated Nanomaterial Discovery, integrating synthesis, advanced characterization, physical modeling, and computer science to iteratively explore a wide range of material parameters. The CFN develops and utilizes advanced capabilities for studies of Nanomaterials in Operando Conditions for characterizing materials and reactions at the atomic scale in real-world environments.

Position Description:

The CFN is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research directed towards the production of clean fuels & products from electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) on copper (Cu) based catalysts. Currently the only catalysts able to form C2+ products are based on copper (Cu), but due to the facility of their compounds to rapidly change oxidation, there is no agreement about its active phase and related reaction mechanisms, and thus no clear path about how to realize its full potential. In this role, you will develop methodology for multimodal operando spectroscopy and microscopy characterization of key functional properties on well-defined electrocatalysts, coupling with spatially resolved probes. You will be a member of the Interface Science and Catalysis group working under the supervision of Dario Stacchiola.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

As the Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have these roles and responsibilities:

• You will develop a new facility for spatially resolved electrochemical measurements, making use of a scanning probe microscope that will be upgraded with the capability for simultaneous scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM).

• You will integrate a workflow of methods to determine electrocatalyst's structure-function correlations, including: i) spatially resolved methods for measuring activity using the new dual electrochemical scanning microscope; ii) correlation with existing multimodal operando vibrational microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy and iii) Machine Learning aided multimodal data analysis and reaction mechanism determination.

• You will contribute to the synthesis of thin-film and nanoparticle electrocatalyst libraries in collaboration with other members at the CFN. 

• You will collaborate with scientific staff with diverse backgrounds including surface science, condensed matter physics, synchrotron X-ray science, material synthesis, data analytics, electron microscopy, physical modeling, and materials theory.

• You will disseminate research findings via paper publications and external presentations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are qualified for this role if: 

• You have a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline, conferred within the last five years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of employment.

• You have demonstrated experimental expertise in scanning probe microscopy.

• You have demonstrated experience in characterization (in-situ and/or ex-situ) and data analysis for materials and/or surface science.

• You communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations/proceedings.

• You are committed to creative and independent research, teamwork, and fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices.

• You are committed to cultivating an inclusive and respectful workplace environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• You have experience in electrochemistry.

• You have experience in materials characterization and analysis based on surface science techniques (e.g., X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), IR/Raman microscopy)

• You have a working knowledge of thin-film synthesis.

• You have the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team to tackle challenging scientific problems.

Compensation:

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.

Other Information:

• This is a 2 year Postdoc Assignment.

• 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 postdoc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

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.