Aerosol Measurement Specialist

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The Environmental & Climate Sciences Department (www.bnl.gov/envsci) at Brookhaven National Laboratory focuses on a wide range of theoretical, experimental, and field studies in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's climate and energy research agendas. Work is supported by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility (www.arm.gov), an observations-based program that measures aerosols, clouds, precipitation, radiation, and atmospheric dynamics; the Atmospheric Systems Research Program; and the Environmental System Science Program. This work is pursued with the ultimate goal of improving predictability and reducing the uncertainty in global and regional climate models. The department research portfolio also includes development of environmental technologies and applications for renewable energies, urban science, and national security.

Within the department, the Aerosol Processes Group is focused on improving process-level understanding of aerosol formation and evolution mechanisms, aerosol optical properties, and the influence that aerosols have on clouds formation, lifetime, precipitation. Understanding the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of interactions along this aerosol-cloud-precipitation continuum is crucial for development of a predictive understanding of the climate system. As part of this overarching research goal, the AP group is responsible for operating the DOE ARM User Facility’s Aerosol Observing System (AOS). These observatories contain a suite of instruments that measure various properties of aerosols and related trace gases.

To assure acquisition of the highest quality AOS measurements, BNL has established the Center for Aerosol Measurement Science (CAMS) – a dedicated laboratory for data quality assurance in atmospheric aerosol measurements through traceable calibration standards. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

The Scientific Associate for the DOE ARM is part of the Center for Aerosol Measurement Science (CAMS) and of the ARM Aerosol Observing Systems (https://www.arm.gov/capabilities/instruments/aos). As part of CAMS, you will work with aerosol instrumentation and other related systems for their maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration in a diverse, international, and collaborative environment. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up instruments and related systems in CAMS and the ARM Aerosol Observing Systems (AOS) 

• Perform basic instrument troubleshooting and maintenance, and basic calibration experiments

• Develop procedures for instrument calibration and maintenance and associated documentation 

• Gather data from instruments and perform basic data analysis (plotting variables, calculating statistics, etc.)

• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication
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Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• BS degree in physical sciences, engineering, IT, or closely related field.

• Minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible related work experience including supporting scientific research programs following established methods and standards for investigation and experimentation.

• Ability to work with sophisticated instrumentation

• Basic experience in working with electrical and electronic circuitry – identifying components, measuring voltages, soldering

• Experience in basic computer programming in any modern language (examples include, but are not limited to: Python, Visual Basic, C/C++, Java)

• Ability to work well in a diverse team across cultures, language skills and experiences

• Working knowledge of Windows and/or Unix operating systems

• Familiarity with aerosol instrumentation and related systems – installation, operations, and basic maintenance

• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Related graduate degree

• Familiarity with ARM operations and systems

• Understanding of scientific and engineering software such as Igor Pro, Matlab, LabView

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $78750 - $89333 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Ability to work in tight spaces

• Routinely lift more than 30 pounds 

OTHER INFORMATION:

• This is a fully onsite position located at BNL – Upton, NY

• Ability to travel (foreign and domestic) in support of instruments

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

Brookhaven Science Associates 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. BSA 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.