Research Technologist – Focused Ion Beam and Scanning Electron Microscopy

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Working at NREL

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Job Description

The Analytical Microscopy and Imaging Sciences group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking a new research specialist to oversee the operations of two scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and two brand new focused ion beam / SEMs. The role will encompass equivalent responsibilities for collaborative clean energy materials science research and effective operations support of the SEM and dual beam microscopes. Clean energy systems of interest include photovoltaics (Si, CdTe, and metal halide perovskites), energy storage (thermal and electrochemical), polymer membranes (catalysis, separation, and electrolysis), biocomposites (molecular to biosafety level 1 materials), thin films for power electronics (oxides, nitrides, and doped films), and various clean building materials (electrochromic glass and cements). The facilities include a Hitachi 4800 SEM and Thermo Fisher Nova 630 SEM with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The two dual beam systems are the Thermo Fisher Helios 5 laser plasma FIB and a TESCAN Solaris Ga-ion FIB. The additional capabilities on the Helios 5 PFIB include inert transfer, cryo stage and cryo lift-out, multi-ion sources (Xe, Ar, O, N), multi-chemistry gas injection system (C, W, Pt/C), high efficiency EDS and EBSD detection, slice-n-view for 3D reconstructions, and a femtosecond laser for milling 10 4,000 um cross-sections in diameter and depth. The additional capabilities on the TESCAN Nova 630 include cryo with inert transfer, cryo stage and cryo lift out, EDS mapping, routine scripting, and a rocking polishing stage. The SEM and dual beam tools currently have over 100 users on the Hitachi 4800 SEM with the other three tools rapidly gaining user access for researchers across NREL.

The candidate must have experience in training researchers new to electron microscopy and dual beam systems for cross-sectional imaging/mapping and lift-out procedures for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation on both Ga-ion and plasma FIBs. The successful candidate will ideally have over 2 years of experience in SEM and FIB/SEM stewardship to support a variety of materials (polymers, semiconductor devices, thin-films, and heterogeneous composite materials). Experience with cryogenic methods, in situ (MEMS chip) preparation, and preparation of very thin samples for analytical electron microscopy of materials is highly desired. Experience in automation and scripting, as well as customization of instruments in partnership with vendors is also a plus. The candidate characteristics highly desired for this role include a highly collaborative and engaging researcher that can communicate heavily with students, postdocs, early career and senior scientists on deeply technical and detailed operations topics. Coordination of resources, group members, maintenance, calibrations/alignments, and future planning will be critical aspects of this role. The role will include the support of two technicians in the group, who currently maintain the facilities, provide microscope trainings, and technical output for a range of technical projects. The successful candidate will not be expected to write proposals for funding or serve as a primary investigator on new research projects, although there will be opportunities for career development, advanced training, and mentorship.

The Analytical Microscopy and Imaging Sciences group resides within the Materials, Chemical, and Computational Sciences (MCCS) directorate within NREL. The group has capabilities in electron microscopy, electro-optical imaging, and scanning probe microscopy. These characterization expertise and capabilities encourage collaboration with a wide range of topics active within NREL, with various degrees of engagement from directed data collection by our group members, to training and independent research of users working on the instruments. The tool model is a fee recovery mechanism to pay for the tool maintenance, service, and repairs to keep optimal performance on the instruments as they age. The successful candidate will be responsible for oversight of this system to balance tool usage with hourly rates for SEMs and dual beams.

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Basic Qualifications

Additional Required Qualifications

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Demonstration of advanced focused ion beam sample preparation (Ga-ion and Xe-ion) for scanning and transmission electron microscopy

Experience in managing a scanning electron microscope and training others to a high competency

Ability to process data for publication in scientific journals

Experience in sample preparation for electron microscopy for thin films, bulk composite materials, 2D materials, nanoparticles, and microelectromechanical devices

Preferred Qualifications

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

NREL takes into consideration a candidates education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employees salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

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If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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