Materials Scientist

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic-abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation's most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for pursuing fundamental research on the synthesis, characterization, and performance of metal and metal oxide thin films using ultra high vacuum-based thin film deposition tools. The candidate will be expected to develop and execute an experimental plan and analyze as well as interpret the data leading towards their dissemination in journal publications. The research will require a close collaboration with microscopists and computational materials scientists for developing novel materials and correlating the findings with theoretical predictions.

The position contributes to programs addressing mission goals for the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

• Design and develop synthesis and characterization approaches for metal and metal oxide thin-film materials with desired functionality using state of the art thin film deposition techniques.
• Lead the design, procurement, commissioning, upgrade, and maintenance of UHV deposition and characterization instrumentation to sustain state-of-the-art capabilities and ensure reliable, efficient operation.
• Coordinate with appropriate support staff on routine preventive as well as unplanned maintenance of the UHV deposition and characterization instrumentation.
• Lead manuscript writing in peer reviewed journals and lead as well as support proposal development efforts.
• Present research findings at technical conferences and project review meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• MS/MA
  -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, physics, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and/or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems is required.
• Experience using CO2 lasers for substrate heating is highly desirable.
• Strong expertise in epitaxial thin film synthesis and characterization, particularly in metals and metal oxides, supported by a solid publication record and practical experience.
• Familiarity with key materials characterization techniques such as XRD, AFM, TEM, and ellipsometry for characterization of thin films.
• Prior research experience in studying the electronic, optical, catalytic, and ion transport properties of precisely designed heteroepitaxial thin films and devices.
• In-depth knowledge of and hands-on experience with synchrotron-based techniques. Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to synchrotron facilities.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, and data science principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of scientists and technical staff, while demonstrating initiative to ensure timely completion of project tasks and deliverables. Responsibilities include preparing first drafts of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and delivering technical presentations at scientific conferences.
• The candidate must possess excellent oral and written communications skills.

Not Applicable

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory…