Cyrogenic SPM - R&D Staff Member

Requisition Id 13479 

Overview: 

We are seeking an R&D Staff member who will focus on research in nanoscience and quantum materials science with the use of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Atomic Force Miscrscopy (AFM).  This position resides in the Scanning Tunneling Micrscopy Group in the Nanomaterials Characterization Section, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences CNMS), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  The CNMS is an US Department of Eenrgy Office of Science User Facility.

 

As part of our research team, you will contribute to research in nanostructured quantum materials including topological matter, magnetic and superconducting materials, 2D and other atomic structures that exhibit exotic electronic and magnetic behaviors. Your work in experimental science will develop and employ Josephson tunneling STM and cryogenic non-contact AFM to manipulate atomic/molecular structures and study low-energy excitations. The involved SPM platforms include Joule-Thomson STM/AFM, close-cycle low-temeprature STM/AFM, millikelvin vector-field STM, and cryogenic Four-Probe STM, combined with molecular beam epitaxy growth for atomical resolution imaging, spectroscopy, transport, and manipulation. This research encourages development of your experience and scientific vision and will also involve collaborative work with CNMS users.

 

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work as part of a dynamic team conducting basic research that advances our understanding of quantum materials.
• Conduct experimental research in ultrahigh vacuum for characterization, manipulation, and growth of low-dimensional materials and interfaces
• Manage and operate state-of-the-art scanning probe microscopes
• Perform data analysis and interpretation
• Work with CNMS users and staff to maintain a high level of scientific productivity
• Present research and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Sciences, or a closely related field
• A minimum of two years of experience in scanning tunneling microscopy
• Demonstrated experience in developing or utilizing low-temperature STM

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
• A strong background in material science and condensed matter physics, including electronic structure, single atoms/molecules characterization, and transport properties
• A background in instrument development and detailed understanding of SPM and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy equipments
• Capability for innovative research with minimal supervision and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to w