Assistant Physicist – Laue Microdiffraction

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

Job summary

The Argonne National Laboratory 34-ID-E beamline seeks an Assistant Physicist to advance microdiffraction methods and support user experiments at 34-ID-E, enabling high-resolution X-ray analyses of crystalline materials. The role involves independent and collaborative work within a strong scientific team and publication of findings.

Applicants should hold a PhD in physics or closely related fields, with experience in X-ray scattering, diffraction, and detector systems, and proficient

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, engineering or closely related field.
• Knowledge of X-ray diffraction, crystallography, and microdiffraction.
• Experience with synchrotron X-ray techniques and experimental methods.
• Strong programming and data-analysis capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, operation, and development of the 34-ID-E beamline.
• Develop advanced X-ray microdiffraction methods and instrumentation.
• Support user experiments and guide data analysis and interpretation.
• Publish and present results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Contribute to growth of the beamline user community.

Skills

X-ray diffraction

Crystallography

Microdiffraction

Synchrotron techniques

Data analysis

Instrument control

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Job description

The Surface Scattering and Microdiffraction (SSM) group in the X-ray Science Division of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory seeks an Assistant Physicist to support the operation, development, and scientific program of the 34-ID-E beamline.34-ID-E provides polychromatic and monochromatic micro- and nanofocused X-ray beams for spatially resolved studies of crystalline materials. Its core capability is 3D Laue microdiffraction, used to characterize crystal structure, orientation, strain, and microstructural evolution. The beamline also supports X-ray diffraction, fluorescence, and coherent X-ray techniques for materials research.Position Responsibilities:Support commissioning, operation, and continued development of the 34-ID-E beamline.Develop advanced X-ray microdiffraction and microscopy methods, instrumentation, and scientific applications that take advantage of the upgraded APS source.Support user experiments at 34-ID-E, including guidance on data analysis and interpretation.Contribute to the growth of the beamline's user community.Carry out independent and collaborative research and help expand scientific capabilities at 34-ID-E.Publish and present research results in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.May be required to perform other duties as assigned.Position RequirementsPh.D. in physics, materials science, engineering, or a closely related field.Knowledge of X-ray diffraction, crystallography, and microdiffraction, with applications to materials characterization.Experience with synchrotron X-ray techniques and experimental methods.Scientific programming and computational skills for data analysis, experimental workflows, or instrument control.Ability to analyze and interpret diffraction and materials-characterization data.Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a scientific team 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 ExperienceExperience with Laue diffraction, nanodiffraction, and spatially resolved crystallographic characterization.Knowledge of X-ray optics, focusing systems, detectors, precision instrumentation, and beamline systems.Experience with coherent X-ray diffraction, scattering, imaging, or related techniques.Experience developing X-ray instrumentation, experimental methods, or data-analysis tools.Experience supporting experiments at a synchrotron or other large-scale research facility.Job FamilyResearch Development (RD)Job ProfilePhysics 2Worker TypeRegularTime TypeFull timeThe 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.Click here to 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.All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.