Position Description

Functional Materials and Mechanics Postdoctoral Associate at CHESS

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds.  If you don’t meet 100% of the job qualification, but see yourself contributing, please submit an application. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.  Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

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 postdoctoral researcher in the field of polymer composites, materials science or mechanical engineering to join our scientific 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 DoD 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 support this goal by leveraging the x-ray characterization capabilities of FMB, including microbeam SAXS/WAXS mapping, 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. Additionally, the successful candidate will:

·         Utilize FMB capabilities to conduct original research in an area commensurate with the MSN-C mission.

·         Communicate results through publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

·         Contribute to the support of local and external user projects making use of FMB and MSN-C.

·         Contribute to an environment that builds individual and organizational effectiveness.

·         Work with diverse and interdisciplinary teams to achieve scientific and technical objectives.

This is a yearly appointment, which can be renewed annually for a total of five years based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

What we need:

·         Ph.D. or equivalent in the physical sciences or engineering

·         Familiarity with x-ray and/or neutron diffraction and/or scattering.

·         Desire to work in a multidisciplinary research environment, interacting with researchers at all levels, including students and facility users.

·         Proficiency in science communication.

What we would prefer:

·         Research experience in the areas of polymer physics, composites properties and/or manufacturing, and/or mechanical engineering.

·         Record of impactful scientific publications

·         Prior experience with high performance computing and/or data-intensive research

·         Proficiency with scientific software for advanced data analysis and/or experimental control, for instance Python, SPEC, MATLAB, etc.

Additional Information:

·         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.

For further information about the position, please contact MSN-C Director Arthur Woll (aw30@cornell.edu) or Dr. Louisa Smieska (lmb327@cornell.edu). The posting will remain open until the position is filled. A complete application package will include a Cover Letter, CV, List of Publications, Statement of Research Interests, and (3) letters of recommendation.

CLASSE salary range for this position is $70,000 to $73,000.

Cornell provides great benefits that include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, educational benefits (Employee Degree, Tuition Aid, Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Programs), access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays, including winter break from December 25th through January 1st.

Cornell has been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. For more information, follow the link: Benefits at Cornell.

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.