Cornell University, Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education

Position ID:

Cornell-CLASSEPhysics-MSNCSCIENTIST [#30473]

Position Title:

MSN-C Structural Materials Staff Scientist

Position Type:

Other

Position Location:

Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America

Subject Area:

Materials Science / Mechanical Engineering

Appl Deadline:

2025/09/15 11:59PM help popup

* (posted 2025/09/02, listed until 2025/09/15)

Position Description:

*** the listing date or deadline for this position has passed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Job Title: MSN-C Structural Materials Staff Scientist

Position Summary:

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.

CHESS is seeking a Ph.D.-level scientist to work with a dynamic, interdisciplinary team to advance the use of high-energy x-ray experimental techniques to address key materials science and engineering challenges in structural materials (especially metals, ceramics, and composites). The successful candidate will serve as a staff scientist for the structural materials program of the Materials Solutions Network at CHESS (MSN-C), a sub-facility of CHESS sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Primary duties will involve leading and participating in collaborative research, providing user support, and actively contributing to developing next-generation synchrotron light source technology and techniques.

Responsibilities

Support an active user community, including users from DoD, Industry and Academia, engaged in employing x-ray techniques to characterize various materials systems.
Creatively contribute to the development of new synchrotron methods and techniques, from experimental hardware to data reduction and analysis.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders, including facility users, funding agencies, and collaborators at other institutions.
Maintain 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

Ph.D. or equivalent in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field and 2 years post-Ph.D. experience.
Interest and ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Record of scientific publications and achievement.
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.
Experience with complex experimental instrumentation
Proficiency in science communication; written and oral, formal and informal.

Preference will be given to applicants with a background in materials science or mechanical engineering, particularly those with extensive experience at x-ray user facilities. Subject matter expertise aligned with the missions of the existing high-energy beamlines at CHESS (structural materials, engineering alloys, composites) is preferred. Proficiency with diffraction techniques and eexperience analyzing large experimental datasets is also an asset.

The initial appointment is for three years and can be renewed based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. For further information about the position, please contact SMB Scientific Lead, Kelly Nygren (k.nygren@cornell.edu) or MSN-C Program Director, Arthur Woll (arthurwoll@cornell.edu).

The expected hiring salary for this position will be between $95,000 and $115,000 and will depend on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

A complete application will include the following material:

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 (3) letters of recommendation.

Located on the Cornell University campus in New York State, 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.

No visa sponsorship is available for this program.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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 accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
Unique applicable skills.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Research statement
Publication list
Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

chess.cornell.edu

134 Newman Lab
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853