CryoEPIC Sr. Scientific Engineering Associate

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a CryoEPIC Sr. Scientific Engineering Associate within the Molecular Foundry division. The Molecular Foundry is a Department of Energy-funded nanoscience research facility that provides a global user community with access to world-class expertise and instrumentation in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Within the Foundry, the National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM) supports a broad user base through unique instruments, expert guidance, hands-on assistance, and training in advanced electron microscopy.

This role supports both user research and staff R&D at the new cryoEPIC (Cryogenic Electron Ptychography and Imaging Center) facility, which includes two state-of-the-art S/TEMs (a dedicated TEM and a probe-corrected STEM), a FIB, and associated sample preparation tools. You will help enable materials-science experiments using TEM, STEM, 4D-STEM, ptychography, EDS, EELS, cryogenic approaches, and in-situ TEM techniques. Responsibilities include user training, day-to-day instrument operations, troubleshooting and maintenance coordination, sample preparation support, and guidance on data analysis workflows. In the near term, you will help bring new microscopes online and build the operational foundation (safety, SOPs, lab organization); over time, you'll contribute to new experimental methods and analysis workflows and expand capabilities across NCEM through collaboration and cross-training.

You will:

• Enable and mentor users on cryoEPIC JEOL cryo-STEM and JEOL cryo-TEM, spanning TEM, STEM, 4D-STEM, ptychography, EDS/EELS, cryogenic approaches, in-situ workflows.
• Guide and support cryo-FIB sample preparation on the JEOL cryo-FIB, including coaching users on best practices for high-quality outcomes.
• Own a portfolio of user projects as the Assigned Scientist, serving as the primary point of contact and providing end-to-end scientific support, including proposal input, experiment strategy, data analysis guidance, and coordinating access and on-site visits.
• Drive instrument performance and uptime by participating in troubleshooting and maintenance of TEMs, FIB, and related cryoEPIC facility tools.
• Coordinate vendor service and repairs, including initiating service calls and ensuring issues are tracked through resolution.
• Develop and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for both equipment operation and data analysis workflows, ensuring they are clear, current, and usable for a broad user base.
• Champion a strong safety culture by reviewing new work for hazards, maintaining safe operations, and ensuring users and vendors are appropriately trained.
• Maintain safety documentation and training required for user and vendor access and work activities.
• Ensure day-to-day experimental readiness, including availability and functionality of key accessories (TEM holders, sample prep tools, computers, and related resources).
• Maintain an organized, efficient lab environment that supports safe, reliable, high-throughput research operations.
• Manage essential lab purchasing and logistics, including consumables and coordinating repair needs with internal and external partners.
• Contribute to capability development by leading or supporting projects that expand cryoEPIC user methods, workflows, or tools.
• Serve the broader program through participation on Lab committees as needed (e.g., Safety Committee).
• Build breadth across NCEM by cross-training on other microscopes and equipment to support additional user instruments as needed.
• Collaborate across the Molecular Foundry to strengthen the user program, share expertise, and help users build productive connections in the broader community.

We are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific/engineering/technical field (or equivalent knowledge) plus extensive hands-on professional experience with advanced electron microscopy.
• Strong communicator who can work effectively with a diverse user community, from first-time users to expert microscopists.
• Demonstrated commitment to a positive, proactive safety culture.
• Demonstrated expertise in electron microscopy imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopy.
• Proven ability to diagnose technical issues and troubleshoot complex scientific equipment.
• Ability to work independently, apply sound judgment, and resolve varied technical problems that require evaluating data and tradeoffs.
• Strong interest in advancing electron microscopy and learning new materials characterization and data analysis approaches.
• Enjoys teaching and supporting others through one-on-one training and hands-on scientific enablement.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience designing and executing experiments under cryogenic conditions.
• Experience with TEM sample preparation for materials science samples, including cryogenic workflows.
• Experience with team science, including mentoring (informal or formal) and supporting collaborative research.
• Publication record demonstrating scientific contributions.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive projects and serve as a go-to technical/scientific resource for others.

Required Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover Letter

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by March 12, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time 2 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $101,184 - $126,492, which fits into the full salary of $101,184 - $170,772 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.