TES Beamline Scientist

From developing next-generation batteries and microelectronics to designing future pharmaceuticals and quantum computers, scientists tackle the world’s greatest challenges by advancing our understanding of materials. However, today's problems are so complex that they require researchers to study materials with highly specialized tools that are not readily available at most institutions. The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) makes such state-of-the-art tools available, together with the expertise to use them, to scientists from all over the world.

The current 29+ beamlines at NSLS-II offer the widest spectrum—from infrared to hard X-rays—of synchrotron light that enables characterization using in situ, multimodal, time-resolved diffraction, spectroscopy, and microscopy. One of their core missions is to observe materials under conditions far from equilibrium, i.e., as a function of a process parameter like temperature, pressure, pH, flow of reactive gases, electric, or magnetic field. One of the strategic research directions that NSLS-II is investing in is making beamlines suited to autonomous experiments as well as high-throughput measurements. This plan will enhance scientific throughput with more fundamental insight into the time evolution of materials processing and kinetics.

About the Role

NSLS-II is seeking an experienced scientist to join the Tender Energy Spectroscopy (TES) beamline team. The successful candidate will work closely with the Lead Beamline Scientist to enhance beamline capabilities, drive scientific productivity, and support a growing user program.

TES is a tender-energy X-ray beamline dedicated to X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray fluorescence imaging in the 2–5.5 keV energy range, with planned upgrades extending coverage to 1.7–8.3 keV. The beamline serves a broad and interdisciplinary user community spanning catalysis, energy science, geochemistry, environmental science, and bioscience. The TES beamline operates two complementary endstations:

• The SMART XAS endstation is a high-throughput, operando platform for bulk XAS measurements.
• The tender X-ray microscope endstation provides micro-focused capabilities (~5 µm beam size using KB mirrors) for spatially resolved studies and is currently undergoing a major upgrade, with commissioning planned for 2026.

The selected candidate will contribute to a wide range of scientific applications, including, but not limited to, complex energy conversion and storage systems such as batteries, fuel cells, and heterogeneous catalysis.

Responsibilities

• Support the operation and the user program of the TES beamline by working closely with the Lead Beamline Scientist while exploring opportunities for high-impact, collaborative research in line with the NSLS-II strategic plans.
• Improve experimental procedures at the beamline, from sample environment and data collection to data analysis, enabling user-friendly and streamlined measurements and analysis.
• Adapt the beamline’s capabilities for autonomous and high-throughput experiments.
• Participate in internal and external scientific and technical collaborations that leverage the unique potential of the beamline.
• Carry out independent research in areas aligned with the scientific mission of the beamline and/or contribute to the development of new experimental capabilities and methodologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field, plus at least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in planning and executing in situ/operando experiments, analysis of EXAFS data, and publishing results using X-ray spectroscopy and/or imaging techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong publication record demonstrating impactful research in XAS and/or X-ray imaging.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and technical staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in beamline operations and user support for a spectroscopy beamline.
• Hands-on experience with in-situ/operando Raman spectroscopy.
• Hands-on experience with battery and/or electrocatalyst in-situ/operando spatially resolved X-ray experiments.
• Proven experience with first-principles simulations of X-ray spectroscopy, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and/or X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES).
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research and develop innovative scientific programs in X-ray spectroscopic imaging.
• Demonstrated Python programming skills relevant to data acquisition or data analysis, evidenced through publications or software development.
• Experience with collaborative Python code development using version control platforms such as GitHub.
• Experience working with sample environments involving hazardous materials or extreme conditions.
• Working knowledge of EPICS and EPICS-based data acquisition systems.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $104,700.00 - $151,000.00 per year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Benefits

Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a comprehensive employee benefits program. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program.