Research Scientist- Synchrotron Studies of Materials for Nuclear Applications

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The Nuclear Science and Security Department conducts advanced research and innovation to promote the safe and secure use of nuclear technologies. It develops modeling, simulation, and reliability tools for reactors and energy systems, and leads research to improve the performance, resilience, and safety of nuclear materials and fuels. Supporting Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and global partners, the department's expert staff and world-class facilities enable design, analysis, and experimental work for commercial and advanced nuclear systems.

The Nuclear Science and Security Department advances cutting-edge research, development, and technical innovation to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear technologies. We develop and apply advanced modeling, simulation, and reliability assessment methods for reactors, small modular reactors, and energy systems. Our work also includes pioneering research in nuclear science and materials, enhancing the performance, resilience, and safety of nuclear systems and fuels. The Department serves as a resource in these related areas to support the missions of the Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and other national and international organizations. With a world-class staff of professionals with expertise in a broad range of areas related to the design and analyses of commercial, research and advanced nuclear systems, Brookhaven's capabilities and facilities are also available to support and execute experiments in support of these missions

Position Description

The research focus of Materials for Energy Applications (MEA) group is to inform design of next generation materials by generating mechanistic insights via multi-modal studies of materials degradation and structure-property relationships in extreme environments. The MEA group seeks a research scientist to study material interactions in extreme environments-high temperature, corrosion, and radiation-using synchrotron X-ray methods. The role includes work on single-particle systems for nuclear security and materials for nuclear and energy storage applications. The scientist will use multi-modal approaches (3D X-ray imaging, XRF, XRD) to understand how structure and performance change under extreme conditions. Experience with actinide materials, strong analytical and computational skills, and familiarity with TEM, SEM, and sample preparation are desired. The candidate should be able to work independently and collaborate across research areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop synchrotron-based nondestructive analysis methods for materials for energy applications. Perform synchrotron experiments (3D X-ray imaging, diffraction and fluorescence) on materials for nuclear energy and security applications

• Participate with the research team in translating the experimental results into new scientific knowledge using advanced data analysis techniques.

• Analyze the multi-modal synchrotron data and disseminate the conclusions in scientific publications and talks. Perform experiments at the beamline including synchrotron characterization of radioactive materials and perform synchrotron data analysis.

• Perform synthesis of actinide materials.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in engineering, physics, material science, chemistry or a related field

• Two (2) years relevant post-PhD experience, including:

• operation of scientific instrumentation for materials characterization.

• experimental design.

• experience with at least one or more of the following required techniques 3D X-ray imaging, X-ray Fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction.

• Ability to work in a team environment and self-motivated.

• Clear and concise communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clear, well documented reports and papers for publication and make effective presentations at technical meetings

• Experience collaborating effectively in interdisciplinary teams

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of publication record in utilizing synchrotron techniques for material science

• Knowledge of programming languages, such as Python, and experience in advanced data analysis software and techniques

• Experience in handling radioactive materials.

• Experience with synthesis of actinide containing materials

• Experience with national security mission related projects

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to obtain security clearance

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Must be willing to handle small quantities of radioactive material.

Other Information:

• Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $104000 - $125000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

• Occasional travel to synchrotron sources for collecting data.

• Occasional shift and weekend work for supporting x-ray data collection.

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About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation's future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

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