The University of Chicago

Department

PSD GSECARS

About the Department

GeoSoilEnviroCARS (GSECARS) is a national user facility where synchrotron radiation research in earth, planetary, and environmental science is conducted by scientists worldwide. GSECARS is managed by the University of Chicago’s Center for Advanced Radiation Sources (CARS) and primarily supports research experiments at Sector 13 of the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory. GSECARS also supports synchrotron research, through National Science Foundation funding, at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) user facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY.

Job Summary

The Center for Advanced Radiation Sources at the University of Chicago seeks applications for a Beamline Scientist to help support Earth Science focused synchrotron radiation studies. The position will be located at the 4-BM (XFM) X-ray fluorescence microprobe beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS-II), Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton (Long Island), NY. This position supports the core mission of the NSF funded SEES (Synchrotron Earth and Environmental Science) cooperative agreement. SEES supports research and education in synchrotron-based Earth and environmental science to better understand our planet from the atmosphere to the core, to address societally relevant problems, and to train the next generation of scientists.

Responsibilities

• Provide beamline and research support for researchers that use the XFM beamline at NSLS-II, in close collaboration with NSLS-II XFM staff and with particular emphasis on supporting NSF-funded Earth Scientists using the facility.
• Responsibilities include, as needed, user training, assistance in beamline operations, aiding users in experimental project planning and proposal preparation, and assistance in data interpretation and dissemination of results.
• Participate in core and collaborative research relevant to SEES and its community as needed.
• Participate in the technical development of the beamline and help develop new experimental capabilities for collection and analysis of synchrotron data using XFM, particularly focused on implementing new techniques at XFM that may benefit the Earth Science user community.
• Take an active role in helping SEES to represent the interests of the NSF-funded geoscience synchrotron user community at NSLS-II and provide regular updates to SEES management ad users regarding technical and scientific developments at XFM.
• Organizes instructional workshops relevant to core XFM techniques.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in Earth sciences, physics, materials sciences, chemistry, or related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated research experience, demonstrated via published works, in applying synchrotron X-ray techniques to scientific problems in geochemistry and environmental science. Research experience in application of one or more of the following synchrotron X-ray techniques is preferred: X-ray fluorescence, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray imaging, X-ray diffraction, and/or computed microtomography.
• Post-graduate experience in collection and interpretation of synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy and fluorescence data as relates to Earth and/or environmental science research.
• Demonstrated published research in the application of X-ray microspectroscopy and/or imaging to Earth and/or environmental science research.
• Experience as the lead scientist with responsibility for conducting synchrotron radiation experiments.
• Experience at the post-doctoral level or above in conducting outreach in the form of helping organize educational workshops and/or symposia.
• Computing experience in scientific PYTHON and/or EPICS control system.
• Experience in XAFS data visualization, interpretation, and modeling.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent relevant computer skills.
• Ability to work well as a team member and independently; good organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.

Working Conditions

• Position is based at the the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS II), Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton (Long Island), NY.
• Ability to satisfy requirements for access to Brookhaven National Laboratory is essential.

Application Documents

• Cover Letter (required)
• Current curriculum vitae including publication list (required)
• List of three references with contact information (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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