Group Leader, Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Overview: 

We are seeking a Group Leader for the Scanning Transmission Electron Micrscopy (STEM) Group within the Nanomaterials Characterization Section at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) in the Physical Science Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The CNMS engages in forefront research in nanoscience while also providing national and international user community access to expertise and capabilities for nanomaterials synthesis/nanofabrication, microscopy/spectroscopy/characterization, and theory/modeling/simulation with an emphasis on strong collaboration between all of these areas. Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and education.

The STEM group is a focused team of researchers pushing the limits of and developing new capabilities in electron microscopy and spectroscopy to better understand the correlations between physical properties and atomic structure and in particular to discern the roles that heterogeneity, interfaces, defects, and disorder have on observed phenomena and functionality emergent in materials for quantum, information, and energy applications. In addition, group members are highly sought-after collaborators within the CNMS user program and across the laboratory, and in this capacity work with collaborators/users to address a broad range of materials problems. Furthermore, the group operates a wide and expanding array of cutting edge microscopes and analytical capabilities, including three Nion STEMs, a JEOL NeoARM, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Krios G4. The STEM Group Leader focuses on (1) mentoring, developing, and promoting group members at all levels, (2) maintaining an independent scientific research program while supporting staff members as they initiate and grow their own research programs in electron microscopy, (3) building collaborations across the CNMS and ORNL to promote the synergy of microscopy with lab strengths in data science, theory and modeling, materials development, and computational sciences, (4) managing and expanding CNMS user activities within the group, and (5) developing and implementing a compelling strategic plan for the group. Thus, the successful candidate will provide scientific, technical, and strategic leadership for the group and prioritize the means by which to enhance the group’s scientific impact. This individual will also be required to identify and initiate new efforts with group members (and other collaborators) to respond to funding opportunities and will guide group members to carry out the laboratory’s science agenda.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership by establishing a cohesive science vision for the group that is aligned with the CNMS, ORNL, and DOE science mission while seeking new opportunities for programmatic collaboration and growth
• Assume line management responsibilities for the group, including research program coordination and support, staff mentoring and development, application of laboratory management systems, CNMS user facility support, and ensuring compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Manage a dynamic user program in advanced microscopy and spectroscopy that emphasizes the highest quality science, impactful publication of results, and recruiting top users from across the US and world-wide
• Oversee staff integration into CNMS Theme Science such that group members are engaged in CNMS and collaborate with other CNMS groups in synthesis, nanofabrication, and theory
• Present and report research results and publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner and strive to become a recognized leader within the international microscopy community
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Materials Science, Physics, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 6 years of experience past the PhD with an internationally recognized record of research in the field, as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at important scientific conferences  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven leadership qualities as well as excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate to an international scientific audience
• Demonstrated expertise in STEM spectroscopy
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory  
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements

Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov.  Please include the title of the position in the subject line.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.