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Position Summary:
The position involves: (a) operation of TEM and SEM instruments, (b) support of TEM and SEM data analysis, sample preparation and management, (d) participation in education and outreach activities, and (e) implementation of directed pilot projects, for mainly external users of the Virginia Tech National Center for Earth and Environmental Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NanoEarth) under the direct supervision of the NanoEarth Director. NanoEarth is housed in Virginia Tech's Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory ( NCFL ). The main requirement of this position is electron microscopy operation, but practical research/service experience in powder X-ray diffractometry is helpful.
Day to day activities related to TEM operation may include: 1) interacting with internal and external users to understand the objectives of their work, scheduling suitable sample preparation and training, and coordinating necessary instrument/staff time; 2) managing day-to-day maintenance support of instruments, calibrating the instruments and keeping them in good functioning condition, arranging the purchase of consumable supplies, and being first responder for hardware problems; and 3) maintenance and supervision of related shared data analysis computers including, but not limited to, operating system updates, anti-virus updates, file maintenance.
Specific job functions include:
(1) Operate TEM and SEM for NanoEarth projects using appropriate imaging and/or spectroscopy techniques. For TEM , fundamental crystallography is essential.
(2) Support TEM data analysis for NanoEarth users. This includes, but is not limited to, user training on basic data analysis software usage, and helping prepare technical reports. Note that the majority of users have very limited electron microscopy knowledge and resources.
(3) Collaborate with NanoEarth and NCFL staff for education and outreach activities, including conducting tours of the facility for NanoEarth users and related visitors and organizing and supporting laboratory demonstration sessions for a wide range of visitors from precollege age to undergraduate and graduate student visitors.
(4) Collaborate with NCFL staff instrument specialists to manage NanoEarth related sessions and support day-to-day maintenance of the facility's electron microscopes; working with service engineers may be required.
(5) Conduct NanoEarth related pilot projects under the supervision of the NanoEarth Director and the Executive Committee.
(6) Due to the nature of an NSF -funded national center, the position requires occasional work during weekdays after 5pm and weekend. Occasional travel may also be required.

Required Qualifications:
(1) A master's degree in Earth/environmental sciences or a closely related science or engineering field. An exception can me made for a bachelor's degree in Earth/environmental sciences or a closely related science or engineering field, with significant relevant professional experience is required.
(2) Scientists/engineers experienced in Earth science, particularly geology, mineralogy/petrology, and environmental science.
(3) Experience with all stages of TEM operation including sample preparation; basic electron microscopy with crystalline and non- or poorly crystalline samples, including basic crystal structure analysis by TEM selected area and nano-beam electron diffraction techniques, conventional (bright/dark field) imaging and basic EDS analysis; and data analysis via TEM applications software.
(4) Ability to establish and enforce prescribed instrument procedures.
(5) Effective communication and record keeping skills. Working effectively with faculty, staff, and students from precollege to graduate school with a variety of technical and cultural backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:
(1) Experience with JEOL and/or FEI TEM / SEM operation (W, LaB6, and/or FEG )
(2) Experience with SEM general sample preparation.
(3) Working knowledge of applications software for SEM and electron backscattered diffraction ( EBSD ).



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