Chemist Research Scientist

$139,512 - $195,312/Yr

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Full-time - Mid Level

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

Berkeley Lab's Laser Technologies Group is seeking a Career Research Scientist who will play a pivotal role in the development of advanced laser plasma tools for elemental and isotopic analysis. This position demands a high level of innovation and detailed experimental research across various technologies, including Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Optical Emission Spectroscopy (LA-ICP-OES), Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and Laser Ablation Molecular Isotopic Spectrometry (LAMIS). The successful candidate will be expected to apply cutting-edge analytical chemistry concepts to develop ultrasensitive chemical analysis techniques, thereby contributing significantly to the laser plasma spectroscopy research community. In this role, the Research Scientist will lead innovative research initiatives, focusing on advancing LA-ICP-OES and conducting fundamental studies related to laser ablation mechanisms pertinent to chemical analysis. The position also involves enhancing LA-ICP-MS, LIBS, and LAMIS technologies for various nuclear security-related applications. The candidate will be responsible for executing complex work plans, leading data collection and analysis efforts, and utilizing findings to improve system performance while suggesting follow-on work. Additionally, the role requires designing experiments, modifying or combining laser, mass spectrometer, or optical spectrometer components, and applying computer analysis and simulation programs to interpret experimental data and characterize material surfaces. Collaboration is key in this position, as the Research Scientist will work closely with fellow scientists, research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and students, while also providing technical support, training, and mentoring. The candidate will contribute to proposal and manuscript writing, present findings at scientific meetings, and adhere to LBNL and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements. This position is critical for maintaining Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's ability to execute innovative research in laser plasma spectroscopy and program direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative research in the field of laser plasma spectroscopy.
• Develop and advance LA-ICP-OES, including research studies of fundamental mechanisms of laser ablation as it relates to chemical analysis.
• Advance LA-ICP-MS, LIBS, and LAMIS technologies for various nuclear security-related applications.
• Carry out complex work plans for multiple tasks, lead data collection and analysis efforts, and use findings to improve system performance.
• Develop resolutions to complex technical problems.
• Design experiments and modify or combine laser, mass spectrometer, or optical spectrometer components as needed.
• Apply computer analysis and simulation programs to interpret experimental data and characterize material surfaces.
• Conduct collaborative research with fellow scientists, research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and students.
• Provide technical support, training, and mentoring to students and postdocs.
• Contribute to proposal and manuscript writing, and present findings at scientific meetings and program reviews.
• Adhere to LBNL and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in experimental Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related professional experience beyond the highest customary degree.
• Experience in ICP-OES and/or LA-ICP-OES, and LA-ICP-MS for elemental analysis and quantification.
• Extensive experience with pulsed laser material interactions, preferably in the ultrafast laser regime.
• Experience in chemometrics and spectroscopic data analysis.
• Experience with optics modeling and application to pulsed laser experimental system design.
• Experience with various morphological and chemical characterization techniques.
• Familiarity with diagnostic data interpretation and correlation.
• Demonstrated expertise and knowledge in the field of elemental and isotopic analysis, sample preparation, and morphological characterization.
• Experience in pulsed laser-material interactions.
• Experience in the use of complex spectroscopic data collection, analysis, and visualization.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Ph.D. in experimental Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Five years of relevant professional experience beyond the highest customary degree.
• Experience with femtosecond laser instrumentation.
• Prior experience in applications of laser plasmas in remote sensing applications.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $139,512 - $195,312 per year.
• Full-time career appointment with exempt status from overtime pay.
• Opportunities for professional development and research collaboration.
• Support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.