Organization Overview:
The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility, offering users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the- art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development and is the nexus of a broad collaboration network. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of nearly 600 external facility users.
Three strategic nanoscience themes underlie the CFN scientific facilities: The CFN conducts research on nanomaterial synthesis by assembly designing precise architectures with targeted functionality by organizing nanoscale components. The CFN researches and applies platforms for state-of-the-art techniques for Accelerated Nanomaterial Discovery, integrating synthesis, advanced characterization, physical modeling, and computer science to iteratively explore a wide range of material parameters. The CFN develops and utilizes advanced capabilities for studies of Nanomaterials in Operando Conditions for characterizing materials and reactions at the atomic scale in real-world environments.
Position Description:
The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at BNL is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and detail-oriented cleanroom Scientific Associate to support the daily operations of CFN's Nanofabrication Facility, a 5,000 sq. ft. class 100/1000 clean room dedicated to state-of-the art patterning and processing of thin films, nanomaterials, and semiconductor devices. You will play a critical role in ensuring the cleanroom environment operates safely, reliably, and efficiently to support cutting-edge nanoscale science research and development activities. You will be responsible for hands-on maintenance of selective cleanroom and associated tools, user training, safety oversight, and coordination with CFN research staff, tool vendors, and facility personnel & users. You will also have opportunities to contribute to collaborative research in a dynamic scientific environment. You will be part of the Nanofabrication Facility within the Electronic Nanomaterials (ENM) Group at CFN, working under the supervision of Dr. Chang-Yong Nam.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
You will ensure the reliable, robust, and safe day-to-day operation of the cleanroom facility.
You will perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of designated cleanroom and associated tools, with emphasis on wet chemical processing, thin film deposition systems, and scanning electron microscopes, by working with tool vendors and facilities personnel as necessary.
You will provide safety orientation and technical training for new and existing cleanroom users.
You will monitor and maintain the inventory of cleanroom supplies, chemicals, and consumables, and will coordinate with BNL chemical waste management staff to handle chemical waste generated in the cleanroom.
You will support research staff and facility users with tool access, processing guidance, and experiment & research facilitation, while serving as a point of contact for some of the CFN user projects.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• You have a Bachelor’s degree, in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field of basic or applied science, with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible, related work experience including supporting scientific research programs following established methods and standards for investigation and experimentation.
• Related work experience must include:
-Extensive hands-on experience in cleanroom environments
- Direct experience with microfabrication processes and equipment, particularly:
-Wet chemical etching
-Photolithography
-Thin-film deposition tools, such as:
-Electron beam evaporators
-Thermal evaporators
-Sputter systems
• You are comfortable with wearing cleanroom garments (“bunny suit”) and working extended hours in a cleanroom setting.
• You have knowledge of vacuum systems, process gases, and semiconductor process flows.
• You have good communication skills and experience in technical training or user support in a cleanroom.
• You are highly experienced with safety protocols and best practices in cleanroom or laboratory settings, as well as committed to teamwork and fostering an environment of safe scientific practices and a respectful workplace.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Master’s or Ph.D. degree, strongly preferred.
You have hands-on experience in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) system operation and daily maintenance.
You have experience in operational management of an R&D cleanroom and are familiar with ESH (Environment, Safety, and Health) protocols in U.S. government laboratories, universities, or semiconductor industry.
You have experience in electron-beam lithography.
You have experience in reactive ion etching.
You have experience in conducting independent or collaboration-based scientific research using cleanroom facilities and tools.
Additional Information:
- This is an On-Site position
Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $92,000 - $100,000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
