Functional Materials Beamline Staff Scientist at CHESS

Role details

The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) is an internationally recognized research facility that provides high intensity x-ray beams and state-of-the-art instrumentation to scientists and students from university, government and industrial labs around the world. These groups employ CHESS to conduct research in areas ranging from biology, physics, and chemistry to mechanical and structural engineering, advanced manufacturing, environmental science, materials science, and cultural heritage.

The Materials Solutions Network at CHESS (MSN-C) seeks a PhD scientist in the field of polymer composites, materials science, or mechanical engineering to join our mission-driven team. The position is associated with the Functional Materials Beamline (FMB) at MSN-C, one of several beamlines built in 2019. FMB is one of two beamlines comprising MSN-C, an Air Force Research Laboratory-sponsored facility to support critical research and manufacturing needs within government and industry. A central goal of FMB is to support advances in the processing and performance of next-generation materials, ranging from structural polymer composites to functional thin films.

In collaboration with MSN-C and AFRL scientific and technical staff, the successful candidate will assume primary responsibility for the scientific program and technical development of FMB. This program builds on state-of-the-art x-ray characterization capabilities of FMB, such as microbeam SAXS/WAXS mapping, GISAXS/WAXS, real-space imaging, and advanced computational and analysis methods. For more information on FMB, please see our recent publication https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08940886.2023.2202578.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise day-to-day operation of the FMB scientific program, part of the Materials Solutions Network at CHESS, including design, implementation, and promotion of novel x-ray techniques, methods and applications involving synchrotron radiation
• Represent FMB to leadership at CHESS, AFRL and the broader scientific community, for instance through presentations at conferences, workshops, and/or reviews
• Support and expand an active FMB user community, including users from government, industry and academia engaged in employing x-ray techniques to characterize materials and materials processes, such as additive manufacturing
• Support and/or initiate proposals to obtain additional sources of funding, e.g., for the development and/or acquisition of new capabilities, instrumentation or software commensurate with the MSN-C mission
• Build and maintain effective working relationships among government and industry collaborations
• Communicate experimental outcomes to government and industry collaborators in the form of written reports and/or presentations
• Maintain an individual record of scholarship and contribute to the scholarly output of the lab through internal research highlights, publications in peer reviewed journals, and presentations at national and international conferences

Mentor students and postdoctoral researchers in synchrotron and domain-science techniques

Essential Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related field and at least 10 years post-PhD experience
• Demonstrated experience with data acquisition and analysis of x-ray or neutron scattering and/or x-ray tomographic methods
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and lead a research program, ideally at a user facility
• Interest and ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Substantial record of peer-reviewed publications and recognized contributions to the field
• Passion for contributing to an environment that builds individual and organizational effectiveness
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical experts, operations staff, and researchers at all levels, including students, postdocs, interns, and facility users
• Proficiency in science communication, written and oral, formal and informal

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in materials science, polymer science and/or mechanical engineering, particularly geared towards soft matter or composites and involving diffraction, especially using large user facilities
• Experience analyzing large experimental datasets

Compensation and Appointment Term

The anticipated salary for this position is $120,000 - $135,000 annually. The initial appointment is for three years and can be renewed based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted online via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33327) and should include the following materials:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of Publications
• Statement of Research summarizing examples of recent research, and areas of interest for future work, especially involving synchrotron radiation and materials science and/or mechanical engineering
• Three Letters of Recommendation

Only complete applications will be considered. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.

Please Note: This position will likely require access to export controlled technology. Due to the nature of this project and funding source, visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Located on the Cornell University campus in New York State, the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) serves a world-wide user community of materials scientists, structural biologists, chemists, physicists, and engineers. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Cornell's inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement.

Pay Range

Refer to Posting Language

Pay Ranges

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

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2026-11-03

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.