Postdoctoral Research Associate – Self-Assembly of Optically Active Nanostructures - Brookhaven National Laboratory

Position Description: 

The CFN is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to develop methods for nanoscale fabrication via biomolecular self-assembly of novel optically active nanostructures. In this role, you will build upon recent advances at the CFN in extending the complexity of nano-architectures synthesized through DNA-based self-assembly to create targeted nanomaterials with designed three-dimensional order and composition. Beyond material fabrication by self-assembly, you will also investigate adjacent optical properties, conduct a detailed structural characterization, and develop automated assembly methods. You will also integrate these new materials into novel devices to explore their potential multifunctionality.  

Your research will involve preparing and processing DNA-based nanostructures, their coupling with nanoparticles, their subsequent application to fabricate functional systems for exploration of structure and properties, and inorganic templating, characterizing of the resultant material structure via physiochemical methods, optical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray scattering and imaging.  Importantly, you will work independently under a broadly defined research direction and will collaborate with researchers and users with diverse backgrounds to develop new materials with targeted functionality. To achieve your goals, you will leverage the world-class suite of nanoscience tools available at the CFN and benefit from the expertise of CFN staff, with whom you will work closely. Ultimately, your research will engender innovative and unique applications of self-assembly creation of novel classes of nanobio-materials for optically active systems.  You will carry out your work on this project under the mentorship of Oleg Gang.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• You will develop strategies for creating DNA-based nanostructures integrated with nanoparticles, their integration with optical and on-chip devices  

• You will characterize structural, optical, and other properties of synthesized materials and fabricated devices 

• You will perform experiment design of nanoscale biomolecular materials and integrated devices and analyze the data to corroborate and support research findings 

• You will collaborate with researchers and users with a broad range of interests 

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

You are qualified for this position if: 

• You have earned a Ph.D. in material science, chemistry, biology, physics, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering or a related discipline within the past five years, or will complete this degree prior to starting the position. 

• You possess hands-on experience in the assembly, nanoparticles work  and characterization of different types of biomolecular systems  

• You have performed nanoscale characterization using methods such as TEM, AFM, x-ray scattering, x-ray imaging, SEM, or advanced optical microscopy 

• You communicate effectively by writing scientific papers and verbally by giving clear technical presentations 

• You are committed to working safely in the laboratory and fostering an environment of safe-work practices  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:   

You are well-matched to this position if: 

• You have collaborated effectively within a team to tackle challenging science problems, while also working independently on your broadly defined research objectives 

• You have integrated biomolecular and/or nanoparticles synthesis and assembly methods into functional devices 

• You have experience with the design of complex structures and their assembly and use software tools and computational packages 

• You have experience with nanotechnology  methods (nanofabrication, nanomaterial synthesis and functionalization, nanoscale device fabrication) 

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

• Candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the commencement of the employment.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $80,000. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.