Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: New York

** POSITION DESCRIPTION
** This position will develop Python-based software interfaces that increase the autonomy of in-situ, operando, and high-throughput experiments. The work focuses on real-time process monitoring—data-quality checks, data reduction, analysis, and intelligent search—delivered as plugins to the Bluesky (NSLS-II) data-collection framework via APIs. The successful workflow will integrate new and existing tools to support multimodal measurements (XRD, total scattering/PDF, and UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy), enabling high-quality, high-throughput, time-resolved data and metadata generation for interactive use and AI-driven experiment steering.

The capabilities will directly support two application areas: (1) automated/autonomous colloidal nanomaterial synthesis and (2) materials synthesis and processing using direct Joule heating.
The candidate will collaborate closely with NSLS-II XPD/PDF beamline staff on measurements, data acquisition, and analysis, and with the Data Science and Systems Integration (DSSI) division to integrate AI algorithms for data collection and analysis.
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* Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

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* • Lead the reimplementation and modernization of an existing Python/Bluesky-based workflow for autonomous experimentation using an automated nanosynthesis reactor deployed at the 28ID-2 XPD beamline of NSLS-II.  
• Develop and adapt APIs leveraging Bluesky frameworks and tools to acquire and analyze XRD and PDF data and integrate data inputs/outputs with the NSLS-II Bluesky data-acquisition ecosystem.  
• Collaborate with researchers across disciplines (e.g., synthetic chemistry, machine learning, and AI) within BNL and with external partners.  
• Publish and present research and software outcomes to the scientific community.
** POSITION REQUIREMENTS
**** Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:*
* • PhD in Physical Sciences (Physics/Chemistry), Materials Science, or related fields; OR PhD in Computational Science with a BS or MS (or equivalent) in a Physical Science discipline.  
• Fluency in programming with Python and scientific software development & deployment.  
• Experience with inline, in-situ, or operando characterization data collection using X-ray and/or other methods.  
• Demonstrated scientific contributions through publications and presentations in relevant areas.  
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, cross-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
** Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:*
* • Software development involving AI/ML methods.  
• Experience with materials synthesis; X-ray scattering/diffraction; and/or optical spectroscopy (UV–vis, NIR/IR) or related techniques.  
• Experience developing data-analysis methods and workflows for diffraction/scattering (XRD, PDF/SAXS) and/or optical spectroscopy.  
• Background in materials science, solid-state chemistry, or nanoscience.
** Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:
** Part of the Work is conducted in a wet chemistry lab, requiring lab PPE
** Other Information:
*** Work arrangement:
On-site
* Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
* 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 is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $74,000.00 - $88,000.00 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
** Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at
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