The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility, offering users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development and is the nexus of a broad collaboration network. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of nearly 600 external facility users.

Three strategic nanoscience themes underlie the CFN scientific facilities: The CFN conducts research on nanomaterial synthesis by assembly designing precise architectures with targeted functionality by organizing nanoscale components.  The CFN researches and applies platforms for state-of-the-art techniques for Accelerated Nanomaterial Discovery, integrating synthesis, advanced characterization, physical modeling, and computer science to iteratively explore a wide range of material parameters. The CFN develops and utilizes advanced capabilities for studies of Nanomaterials in Operando Conditions for characterizing materials and reactions at the atomic scale in real-world environments.

Position Description:

The CFN is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct novel research exploiting atomic layer processing (ALP) for synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) materials. You will develop new ALP methods, including atomic layer etching (ALE) and atomic layer deposition (ALD), optimized for 2D quantum materials such as van der Waal (vdW) materials, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), topological materials, Kagomi metals, and other quasi-2D materials. In addition to developing synthesis/processing methods, this project also provides the opportunity to investigate the characterization of novel materials, and their integration into quantum heterostructures; through collaboration with other ongoing efforts in the CFN. You will work under the supervision of Drs. Chang-Yong Nam (Electronic Nanomaterials Group) and Jerzy Sadowski (Interface Science and Catalysis Group).

As the Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have these roles and responsibilities:

• You will develop and characterize ALE processes and protocols for precise thinning of 2D quantum materials.

• You will develop and characterize ALD processes and protocols for select materials (e.g., dielectrics) on 2D quantum materials.

• You will contribute to the characterization of 2D quantum material properties (e.g., structural, chemical, electronic etc.) and their correlation with ALE and ALD processes. Characterization methods include: Low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM), X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultrafast transient optical spectroscopy and other advanced surface and spectroscopic techniques.

• You will contribute to the integration of ALE and ALD processes with other capabilities and projects at the CFN, including Quantum Materials Press (QPress)

• You will collaborate with scientific staff with diverse backgrounds including surface science, condensed matter physics, synchrotron X-ray science, device fabrication and physics, data analytics, electron microscopy, physical modeling, and materials theory.

• You will disseminate research findings via paper publications and external presentations.

• You are qualified for this role if:You have a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline, conferred within the past five (5) years or to be completed prior to the starting date.
• Demonstrated experimental expertise in ALE and ALD processes.
• Demonstrated experience in characterization (in-situ and/or ex-situ) and data analysis for materials, surface science, and/or vacuum deposition/processes.
• You communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations/proceedings.
• Committed to creative and independent research, teamwork, and fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices.
• You are committed to cultivating an inclusive and respectful workplace environment.

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• Experience in plasma-enchanced ALE of compound semiconductors and/or 2D materials.
• You have experience in materials characterization and analysis based on surface science techniques (e.g., X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), LEEM, XPEEM, and scanning probe microscopy techniques)
• Hands-on experience in ALE and/or ALD instrumentations.
• Experience in the in-situ process characterization instrumentation for ALE and/or ALD.
• Working knowledge of 2D materials.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team to tackle challenging scientific problems.

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BNL policy requires that research associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past five (5) years.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $68,400-90,825-113,250. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

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