NCEM High Resolution Scientific Engineering Associate

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

9d • $103,416 - $174,528 • Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Molecular Foundry is seeking an experienced electron microscopy professional to support materials research using advanced TEM and STEM techniques. The role works directly with researchers from around the world, providing instrument training, experimental guidance, sample-preparation support, and data-analysis expertise. It also contributes to instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, and to developing new microscopy capabilities, including automated and high-throughput workflows.

The associate supports users on Thermo Fisher and JEOL electron microscope platforms and manages assigned user projects, from proposal review and experimental design through training, site visits, and project coordination. The role also helps maintain facility equipment and safe, effective laboratory operations; develops user capabilities; and collaborates with Molecular Foundry staff and the wider scientific community.

This is a full-time career appointment, exempt from overtime pay. Work will be performed primarily onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hire; visa sponsorship is not available. Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by December 16, 2026, and applications will be accepted until the posting is removed. The position is subject to a background check.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related discipline, together with extensive practical experience operating electron microscopes in a technical research setting.
• Strong communication skills and ability to support NCEM users with a wide range of backgrounds and technical expertise in experimental procedures, instrument operation, and data interpretation.
• Hands-on experience operating TEM or STEM instruments, including acquiring and evaluating high-resolution electron microscopy data.
• Hands-on experience acquiring, processing, and interpreting TEM data using at least one of EELS, STEM-EDS, or 4D-STEM.
• Hands-on experience preparing materials science specimens for TEM analysis and selecting suitable preparation methods for the material and experimental objectives.
• Experience identifying, diagnosing, and resolving technical problems involving transmission electron microscopes, including evaluating possible causes and proposing corrective actions.
• Demonstrated respect for a positive safety culture.
• Eligibility to work in the United States at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific or technical field, with research experience in advanced electron microscopy or materials characterization.
• Hands-on experience operating aberration-corrected TEM or STEM instruments for high-resolution or atomic-resolution imaging, including optimizing experimental conditions and interpreting results.
• Experience with 4D-STEM, electron ptychography, electron tomography, or other advanced STEM techniques.
• Experience contributing to multidisciplinary research projects, including mentoring, training, or providing technical guidance to students, researchers, or scientific collaborators.
• Track record of authoring or co-authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience independently coordinating or leading scientific or technical projects, including establishing experimental approaches, managing milestones, interpreting results, and providing subject-matter expertise.
• Experience developing, implementing, or operating automated, robotic, or high-throughput workflows for scientific instrumentation, data acquisition, or materials characterization.
• Experience using computational tools, scientific software, or simulation techniques to process, analyze, interpret, or model electron microscopy data.

Responsibilities

• Advise, assist, and train users on Thermo Fisher and JEOL electron microscopes and techniques including TEM, STEM, 4D-STEM, ptychography, EDS, EELS, cryogenic, and in-situ methods.
• Advise, assist, and train users in sample-preparation techniques.
• Manage assigned user projects, including proposal review, experimental design, instrument training, laboratory access, on-site visits, and serving as the project point of contact.
• Work with users and facility staff to improve instrument utilization, experimental efficiency, and data-acquisition workflows.
• Maintain and troubleshoot TEMs and other facility tools.
• Coordinate vendor service calls for equipment repair, including scheduling, site access, and safety management.
• Contribute to writing and updating standard operating procedures for equipment operation and data-analysis workflows.
• Review new work for hazards and maintain a safe work environment.
• Write and maintain safety documents and training materials for users and vendors.
• Ensure TEM holders, sample-preparation tools, computers, and other accessories are available for experiments.
• Organize and maintain laboratory spaces for efficient and safe operation.
• Coordinate and assist with purchasing laboratory consumables and arranging equipment repairs.
• Lead or contribute to projects that establish new user capabilities.
• Serve on LBNL committees as needed, such as the Safety Committee.
• Cross-train on other Molecular Foundry equipment to support user instruments as necessary.
• Collaborate with Molecular Foundry staff to expand user-program capabilities and help users build collaborations within the broader community.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Vacation and sick time.
• Annual Winter Holiday Shutdown.
• Parental bonding leave for mothers and fathers.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level