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.

The CFN is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to pursue frontier research in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for advanced scientific discovery. The CFN has a productive research program on accelerating material discovery and developing autonomous experimentation. In this position, you will develop a virtual assistant for intuitive control and efficient human-computer interaction for X-ray experiments at Brookhaven’s synchrotron. Your project will include the development of machine-learning methods and the deployment of the virtual assistant at multi-tasking experimental workstations, specifically at the X-ray scattering beamline CMS (Complex Materials Scattering). You will research frontier natural language processing (NLP) and large language model (LLM) methods, and adapt them to science contexts. This virtual assistant will allow scientists to use natural language voice or text to control complex experimentation procedures, including data acquisition and analysis, results visualization, and intuitive interaction with advanced learning methods. You will carry out your research under the supervision of CFN scientist Dr. Esther Tsai.

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

• Research the fundamental capabilities of NLP and LLM systems, and how these can be adapted to science contexts.
• Develop a virtual assistant via research and development of AI/ML and NLP methods for the robust conversion from natural language to experimental controls.
• Collaborate with researchers to create an effective interface for controlling instruments and performing X-ray experiments at NSLS-II with natural language.
• Collaborate with researchers to create an NLP-based closed-loop experiment workflow for data acquisition, analysis, advanced learning, and in-situ apparatus.
• Produce software packages for the virtual assistant; disseminate new knowledge on NLP-based experimentation through publications and presentations.

• Ph.D. in computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline within the past five years, or will complete this degree prior to starting the position;
• Experience in research on AI/ML and software development;
• Ability to communicate effectively by writing scientific papers and giving technical presentations;
• Demonstrate ability to work in a group of researchers with diverse academic background;
• Committed to fostering a collaborative environment of safe scientific work practices.

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• Recent experience with modern NLP and LLM systems;
• Experience with modern software development systems, such as version control or continuous integration;
• Experience and/or strong interest in X-ray experiments or nano-science.

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BNL policy requires that after obtaining their PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

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