Assistant Beamline Scientist - CNM-APS Hard X-Ray Nanoprobe

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 94,486 - 147,398; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive employee benefits

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is inviting applications for an Assistant Scientist to lead a research program focusing on advanced synchrotron X-ray microscopy. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research and support the CNM user program with a strong emphasis on nanoscale materials.

The position requires a Ph.D. in a related field and a robust understanding of synchrotron X-ray research techniques. The role offers competitive compensation with opportunities for collaboration within a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in experimental or analytical synchrotron X‑ray research.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values: impact, safety, respect, integrity, teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop a leading research program leveraging unique capabilities.
• Research alignment with CNM’s strategic scientific directions.
• Provide leadership for beamline science and user operations.

Skills

Experimental synchrotron X‑ray research

Advanced microscopy techniques

AI/ML for experimentation or data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering

Job description

Overview

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for an Assistant Scientist position focused on transformational research enabled by the development and application of advanced synchrotron X‑ray microscopy capabilities. This role will take particular advantage of new opportunities created by the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade and the CNM Hard X‑ray Nanoprobe Beamline (CNM/APS HXN).

CNM is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility that provides researchers from around the world with state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities in multidisciplinary nanoscience and nanotechnology. Our research environment is designed to support cutting‑edge science by both staff and the global user community.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a scientist who is eager to build an innovative research program while also contributing to the scientific and technical leadership of a premier user facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a leading research program.
• Establish and grow a world‑class research program that leverages the unique capabilities of the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade and the CNM/APS HXN beamline.
• Research should align with CNM’s strategic scientific directions, particularly in the study of nanoscale interfacial phenomena and dynamic processes in materials and devices.
• Nanoscale structure–property relationships and dynamic processes in energy materials, quantum materials, microelectronics, and 2D materials.
• Operando and in situ studies of materials evolution under external stimuli.
• Coherent imaging and ptychography of functional nanomaterials.
• AI/ML‑enabled autonomous experimentation and advanced data analysis.
• Provide leadership for beamline science and user operations.
• Support and guide user experiments at the beamline, helping enable successful and cutting‑edge research outcomes.
• Advance beamline capabilities through new instrumentation, experimental methods, and analytical approaches.
• Collaborate with staff, users, and external partners across a broad range of disciplines.
• Contribute to the growth and scientific vitality of the CNM user program.

Position Requirements

• A Ph.D. in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or a related physical science discipline.
• A strong background in experimental or analytical synchrotron X‑ray research and/or other advanced microscopy techniques relevant to materials research.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Laser or electrical pump‑probe methods.
• Coherent diffraction imaging and phase retrieval.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for experimentation or data analysis.

Application Materials

• A cover letter describing how your experience and expertise would contribute to success in this role.
• A detailed curriculum vitae, including:
  • A list of publications.
  • The names and addresses of three professional references.
  • A 2‑page statement of proposed research.
  • A 1‑page statement outlining an approach to engaging and growing the scientific user program.

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

View Argonne employee benefits.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

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