Group Leader - electron Microscopy & MicroAnalysis (eMMA) Group

Requisition Id 15306 

 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking an R&D Group Leader for the electron Microscopy & MicroAnalysis (eMMA) Group within the Nanomaterials Characterization Section at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS). As a US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility, the CNMS provides the national and international user community access to expertise and state-of-the-art instrumentation for a broad range of nanoscience research, including nanomaterials synthesis, nanofabrication, imaging/microscopy/characterization, data analytics, and theory/modeling/simulation. The selected group leader will lead the CNMS eMMA Group, which advances cutting-edge electron microscopy and spectroscopy methods and integrates AI/ML methods into experimental platforms. Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, reputation in the field, and education.

 

The eMMA group develops and delivers advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy capabilities that provide the foundation for fundamental understanding of materials structure, composition, and behavior. Staff members in eMMA have expertise in high-resolution structural imaging via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), focused ion beam (FIB), multiple in situ microscopy methods, atomic manipulation, and atom probe tomography (APT). Staff lead scientific research focused on quantum-materials, soft-matter systems, and energy materials systems (e.g., fuel cells, catalysis, batteries) and importantly on new technique development and implantation, thereby advancing DOE’s broad fundamental research and development goals. In addition to experiments at CNMS we also work closely with experimentalists in the neutron science facilities and across other science divisions at ORNL, including leveraging DOE’s leadership computing capabilities for theory and large-scale simulations.

 

 

Purpose:

The eMMA group leader will provide R&D leadership to the group that strategically advances science and technology consistent with ORNL’s position as a premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture.  At the CNMS, the group leader will work with staff across the Center to simultaneously cultivate and grow new and ongoing areas of scientific research as well as identify new capabilities that meet the demands of our user community.

 

The eMMA R&D group leader brings together a group of internationally recognized peers, with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership in the fields of STEM/EELS, Cryo-EM, and APT, nurtures ORNL’s culture among group members, and continues to build- and scale-up individual excellence and impact in R&D. The R&D group leader reports to and works closely with the R&D section head and division director to implement the group’s scientific vision; develops group members to enable their career growth and advancement; establishes microscopy capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in the field; sets, implements and models standards for performance of work consistent with ORNL’s Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures an inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

 

Research:

Scientists are recognized leaders in their area of technical expertise. The group leader initiates, leads, and performs independent R&D on an ongoing basis.

 

Leadership:

• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects to position the group for future success.  This strategy should also emphasize staff engagement in CNMS in-house theme science efforts.
• Ensure the success of the CNMS user program through a strategic balance of resources and existing new staff expertise within the group.
• Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals. Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.
• Provide relevant input for staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on a regular basis.
• Group leaders are a critical part of t