Brookhaven National Laboratory is a multipurpose research institution funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Located on the center of Long Island, New York, Brookhaven Lab brings premier facilities and expertise to the most exciting and meaningful questions in basic and applied science—from the birth of our universe to the sustainable energy technology of tomorrow. We operate state-of-the-art large-scale facilities for studies in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, applied science, and a wide range of advanced technologies. Brookhaven Lab employs nearly 3,000 scientists, engineers, and support staff, and engages more than 4,000 visiting researchers from around the world each year. Our award-winning history, including seven Nobel Prizes, stretches back to 1947, and we continue to unravel mysteries from the nanoscale to the cosmic scale. Brookhaven Science Associates, a nonprofit applied science and technology organization, operates Brookhaven Lab for the U.S Department of Energy.

Organizational 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 researcher to pursue new patterning strategies for building heterostructures from two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals nanomaterials. Your research project will be closely aligned with the ongoing CFN effort to develop the Quantum Material Press, a first-of-its-kind tool for automated synthesis of atomically precise heterostructures. In your research, you will leverage multiple patterning methods to improve the control of 2D materials. You will develop methods to create patterned stamps for improving the transfer of 2D flakes and customizing their size, shape, and orientation. You will pattern dielectric superlattice substrates that alter the electronic band structure of 2D materials placed onto them. In these efforts, you will collaborate closely with scientists who have diverse backgrounds and make use of the CFN world-class suite of nanoscience instruments. In particular, your research will leverage the CFN's cleanroom and CFN expertise in thin film self-assembly. Your research will yield groundbreaking discoveries and unique applications of 2D materials.  In this position, you will work under the supervision of CFN scientist Gregory Doerk.  

Roles and Responsibilities

As the Postdoctoral Research Associate – Patterning for 2D Materials, you will have these roles and responsibilities:

• You will design and fabricate micropatterned polymer stamps and use them to understand and improve the process of exfoliating and transferring 2D materials in creating heterostructures.
• You will explore methods of patterning 2D material layers, such as using patterned stamps for deterministic flake generation.
• You will use lithography, self-assembly, and thin-film processing methods to create dielectric superlattice substrates for control over 2D material electronic band structure.
• You will uncover and disseminate new scientific knowledge related to the behavior of 2D materials.
• You will collaborate with researchers who possess a broad range of scientific expertise and interest in 2D materials.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are qualified for this role if:

• You have earned a Ph.D. in material science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or a related discipline;
• You have expertise in cleanroom usage, lithography, nanofabrication pattern transfer methods, and associated characterization (especially SEM) for patterning polymer thin films;
• You have experience working with 2D materials or other thin film nanomaterials;
• You have demonstrated an ability to communicate effectively by writing scientific papers and giving technical presentations;
• You are committed to fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices.

Preferred background and experience:

You are well-matched to this position if:

• You have hands-on experience using polymers films in nanoimprint lithography, material transfer printing, flexible device fabrication, or other novel patterning applications;
• You have carried out research involving exfoliation of 2D materials;
• You are familiar with thin film self-assembly methods, especially using block copolymers;
• You work effectively in a collaborative team to tackle challenging scientific problems.

BNL policy requires that research associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past five years.

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.

At Brookhaven Lab, we believe comprehensive employee benefits are a meaningful part of employee compensation. Our benefits program includes:

• Medical Plans
• Vacations
• Holidays
• Dental Plans
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Retirement Plan
• On site swimming pool, weight room tennis courts, and other employee benefits

We invite you to consider working at Brookhaven Lab. To be considered for this position, apply online at www.bnl.gov and click Jobs, then sort by job ID and apply to job #.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring that you receive full consideration for employment. No one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

BNL takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab.We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. 

BNL takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.Please contact us to request accommodation. 

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor
 

Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file