Assistant Beamline Scientist - PtychoProbe

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 94,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the PtychoProbe team (33-ID) and contribute to commissioning, operation, user support, and method development for the state-of-the-art hard x-ray nanoprobe.

The candidate will collaborate with beamline staff and partner groups to implement advanced microscopy methods and workflows for the upgraded APS, and present results at conferences and in publications. A PhD and experience in x-ray science are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental x-ray science, synchrotron methods, beamline instrumentation, microscopy, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to scientific instrumentation, experimental methods, or data analysis.
• Experience analyzing scientific data using modern computational tools and scientific programming environments.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative, team-based research environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to commissioning, operation, and continued development of the PtychoProbe beamline.
• Support users in planning and carrying out scientific experiments, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Collaborate with beamline staff and partner groups to develop advanced microscopy methods, instrumentation, and workflows for the upgraded APS.
• Contribute to scientific applications enabled by the beamline in areas such as materials, energy, chemical, life, or quantum sciences.
• Present research results through publications, conferences, and scientific meetings.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Experimental X-ray science

Scientific instrumentation

Data analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Oral and written communication

Education

PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering or related field

Tools

Beamline instrumentation

Synchrotron methods

Job description

The Microscopy Group of the X-ray Science Division (XSD) operates advanced microprobe and nanoprobe beamlines, develops novel instrumentation and methods, and pursues collaborative research in materials, energy, life, and quantum sciences. PtychoProbe (33‑ID) is a state‑of‑the‑art hard x‑ray nanoprobe designed for high‑resolution structural imaging with complementary chemical sensitivity, enabling two‑ and three‑dimensional studies of complex and thick specimens and helping bridge capabilities between x‑ray and electron microscopy. We seek a highly motivated scientist to join the PtychoProbe team and contribute to commissioning, operation, user support, and method development for this new beamline.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to commissioning, operation, and continued development of the PtychoProbe beamline.
• Support users in planning and carrying out scientific experiments, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Collaborate with beamline staff and partner groups to develop advanced microscopy methods, instrumentation, and workflows for the upgraded APS.
• Contribute to scientific applications enabled by the beamline in areas such as materials, energy, chemical, life, or quantum sciences.
• Present research results through publications, conferences, and scientific meetings.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental x‑ray science, synchrotron methods, beamline instrumentation, microscopy, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to scientific instrumentation, experimental methods, or data analysis.
• Experience analyzing scientific data using modern computational tools and scientific programming environments.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative, team‑based research environment.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Familiarity with one or more advanced x‑ray microscopy methods, such as ptychography, x‑ray fluorescence microscopy, tomography, or multimodal imaging.
• Experience with synchrotron beamline instrumentation such as optics, detectors, motion systems, interferometry, controls, or data acquisition workflows.
• Experience supporting user experiments or collaborating with external scientific users.
• Experience in one or more application areas such as materials science, energy science, chemical science, life science, or quantum materials.
• Familiarity with scientific software development, controls software, high‑throughput data analysis, or AI/ML‑enabled workflows.

The successful candidate will develop expertise in PtychoProbe methods, instrumentation, and workflows through close collaboration with beamline staff, users, and partner scientists.

The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 – $147,398.94. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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 and is committed to nondiscrimination, considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.