Post Doctorate Research Associate - Epitaxial Multicomponent Thin Films

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.  

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. 

The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time. 

The Physical Sciences Division stewards discovery science research portfolios including catalysis, materials science, separations, analytical chemistry, geosciences, and chemical physics. Our research strives to refine our molecular-level understanding of multiphase systems and phenomena including complex interfaces. We discover and apply new knowledge to address major national priorities and needs in energy sustainability through the development of new energy storage technologies and the creation of high-value fuels and materials from abundant wastes. 

Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in advancing the fundamental understanding of composition-structure-property relationships in multicomponent oxide thin films. The successful candidate will focus on the synthesis and control of multicomponent oxide thin films and related heterostructures using advanced thin-film deposition techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). A central aim will be to uncover how chemical complexity, lattice defects, and interfacial coupling govern metastability, and how these can be harnessed to realize novel structural and functional states. The postdoc will work within a multidisciplinary team and utilize in situ/operando diagnostics, ex situ atomic-scale characterization, and modeling to establish design principles for metastable motifs in complex oxides. This position provides the opportunity to shape new directions in materials discovery with implications for electrocatalysis, memristors, tunable magnetism, and ferroic functionalities.

• Synthesize epitaxial oxide thin films using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and/or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Develop and optimize deposition processes to achieve desired structures.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of thin film materials to determine their structural, electronic, magnetic, optical, and electrochemical properties. Utilize data from a range of techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS), synchrotron X-ray diffraction/spectroscopy, Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS), Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), and electrochemical workstations.
• Oversee the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the PLD/MBE systems to ensure their optimal operation and performance.
• Prepare and lead proposals for accessing DOE-funded user facilities. This involves writing detailed research proposals, coordinating with facility staff, and managing project resources.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Ensure adherence to environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements. Implement best practices for laboratory safety and comply with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
   

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and/or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems.
• Strong expertise in epitaxial thin film synthesis and characterization, particularly in complex oxides, supported by a solid publication record and practical experience.
• Familiarity with key materials characterization techniques such as XRD, AFM, TEM, XPS, PPMS, and SE.
• Prior research experience in studying the electronic, optical, catalytic, and ion transport properties of precisely designed heteroepitaxial thin films and devices.
• In-depth knowledge of and hands-on experience with synchrotron-based techniques. Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to synchrotron facilities.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, and data science principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of scientists and technical staff, while demonstrating initiative to ensure timely completion of project tasks and deliverables. Responsibilities include preparing first drafts of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and delivering technical presentations at scientific conferences.