Scientific Associate – Foundation Models for Scientific Exploration

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Organization Overview:

The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility, offering users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the- art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development and is the nexus of a broad collaboration network. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of nearly 600 external facility users.

Three strategic nanoscience themes underlie the CFN scientific facilities: The CFN conducts research on nanomaterial synthesis by assembly designing precise architectures with targeted functionality by organizing nanoscale components. The CFN researches and applies platforms for state-of-the-art techniques for Accelerated Nanomaterial Discovery, integrating synthesis, advanced characterization, physical modeling, and computer science to iteratively explore a wide range of material parameters. The CFN develops and utilizes advanced capabilities for studies of Nanomaterials in Operando Conditions for characterizing materials and reactions at the atomic scale in real-world environments.

Position Description:

The CFN is seeking an exceptional researcher to pursue frontier research in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to advance scientific discovery. The CFN has a productive research program on accelerating material discovery and developing autonomous experimentation. In this 6-month term position with the Electronic Nanomaterials group at CFN, you will be involved in the development and application of AI/ML methods for nanoscience experimentation and instrumentation under supervision of Kevin Yager and Esther Tsai. You will research the application of frontier foundation models to scientific tasks, including leveraging large language models (LLMs), vision models, and multimodal models.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

As the Scientific Associate, you will have these roles and responsibilities:

• You will be responsible for developing and deploying AI/ML methods for scientific exploration and experimentation.

• You will apply foundation models (LLM, vision, multimodal) to scientific contexts.

• You will collaborate with researchers to create practical tools for performing nanoscience research via natural language. 

• You will produce software packages for the developed tools and disseminate new knowledge through publications and presentations. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are qualified for this role if:

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline;  A master’s degree is preferred;

• You have experience in research on AI/ML and software development;

• You have the ability to communicate effectively by writing scientific papers or giving technical presentations;

• You have a demonstrated ability to work in a group of researchers with diverse academic background

• You are committed to fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are well-matched to this position if: 

• Minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible related work experience including supporting scientific research programs following established methods and standards for investigation and experimentation.

• You have recent experience with foundation models, embedding models, modern NLP/LLM systems, and chatbot systems;

• You have experience with modern software development systems, such as version control or continuous integration;

• You have basic familiarity with database systems.

Additional Information:

• Position location is remote or on-site in Upton, NY.

• 6-month term position

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $78,200 - $110,400 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group

About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Brookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.  BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.  *VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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