Scientific Engineering Associate for Beamline Operations

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division has an opening for a Scientific Engineering Associate for Beamline Operations to join the Photon Science (PS) Group as a member of its Dichroism Program .

The ALS is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard x-ray, and infrared regimes attract nearly 1,700 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 11,000 users annually. The ALS has been a global leader in soft x-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art x-ray capabilities. 

In this role, you will participate in the operation of the Dichroism Program at the ALS by sharing responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of scientific instrumentation, training and instructing its users, and participating in the development of new capabilities. This position will be centered around ALS Dichroism Program with its three beamlines (4.0.2, 6.3.1 and 11.01.1) and its respective endstations that are optimized to study magnetic materials with soft x-rays. You will  work as part of a group under the supervision of an experienced ALS scientist. 

What you will do:

• Support day-to-day operations of the dichroism program consistent with our dedication to safety and inclusion, diversity, equity and accountability (IDEA).

• Take responsibility for beamline and lab spaces through maintaining equipment and software.

• Design and implement upgrades, big and small, to expand the possibilities of our research. This may include building new hardware, data processing code, or automation of measurements. You will work with scientists and technical experts at ALS and be exposed to a vibrant community of scientists within the Dichroism program where your input and contributions are valued and make an impact. 

• You will get trained to commission and align beamline components and prepare for specific experiments. You will record your results and contribute to operating procedures manuals and documentation.

• You will provide technical assistance to users of the endstations of the dichroism program, for example through training,  sample handling (mounting, dismounting, and shipping).

Required:

• Bachelor degree preferred in materials science and engineering, chemistry, physics, engineering or related field; or equivalent years of work experience, and two to five years of relevant experience in a scientific or R&D context.

• Desire to support outstanding science in the field of magnetism, spin- and quantum-materials.

• Well developed organizational skills with follow-through and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated analytical and technical problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and drive projects in an interactive team setting, including the ability to manage competing priorities, and provide quality work on schedule.

• Technical and scientific communication skills, both oral and written.

• Hands on experience with scientific equipment or custom instrumentation

• Ability to work with and maintain effective professional relationships with scientific staff, technical staff, and with colleagues and collaborators from diverse backgrounds.

• To enable around the clock user operation, we anticipate occasional evening work and between two and four weekend workdays per month. 

 

Desired:

• Experience with vacuum technology, CAD Software, Machining or Electronics.

• Programming experience.

• Aptitude for assembly and troubleshooting technical equipment.

 

While most work is expected to be performed on-site, some tasks can be completed remotely, subject to project requirements. To enable user operation around the clock, we anticipate occasional evening work and between two and four weekend workdays per month. We offer the opportunity to shape your responsibilities and encourage ongoing professional development in line with evolving business needs. We would love to welcome you on our team!

For full consideration please submit your application (CV + Cover letter up to two pages) by November 27, 2023.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• This position is expected to pay $80,784 -$101,016 per year  which fits within the full salary range of $80,784.00 - $136,368/year for this job classification. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

 

The core values of the ALS reflect a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek candidates who will support a culture in which each member of the community feels welcomed and valued. An ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a vibrant, diverse, and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a strong and successful lab community. For more information refer to the LBNL core values and the ALS mission statement and core values.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

 

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

 

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

 

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.