Group Leader - Electron and X-ray Microscopy (EXM)

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 137,577 - 223,567; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Group Leader for its Electron and X-ray Microscopy Group. The successful candidate will develop, lead, and execute innovative R&D programs, ensuring impactful user and research operations. As a leader, you will manage a multidisciplinary team and drive advanced microscopy technology development.

This role requires a Ph.D. and significant experience in the field. Comprehensive benefits are included. The position is based in Lemont, Illinois.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant research experience post-Ph.D.
• Considerable knowledge of nanostructures and their applications.
• Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific and technical operations of the EXM Group.
• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure a high-quality user experience in microscopy.

Skills

Electron microscopy techniques

X-ray microscopy techniques

Data management practices

AI/ML approaches

Strong communication skills

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in materials science or related field

Tools

Advanced detector technologies

Ultrafast and time-resolved methods

Job description

The Group Leader (GL) for the Electron and X-ray Microscopy (EXM) Group at the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) develops, leads, and executes world‑class R&D programs in electron and X-ray microscopy, achieving international recognition for scientific excellence. The GL is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and impactful user and research operations, combining hands‑on research with strategic leadership of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership for the EXM Group, ensuring safe, reliable, and effective user operations.
• Develop, lead, and execute innovative R&D programs in electron and X-ray microscopy that achieve international recognition and align with CNM and Argonne strategic priorities.
• Conduct original research in nanoscience from concept development through experimental execution, analysis, and dissemination via peer‑reviewed publications and presentations.
• Manage and mentor a team of scientists, postdocs, and engineers specializing in electron and X‑ray microscopy, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance culture.
• Advance the CNM user science program, enabling cutting‑edge experiments in electron microscopy and synchrotron X‑ray microscopy at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and ensuring a high‑quality user experience.
• Drive the development and implementation of advanced microscopy technologies, including:
  • New imaging and spectroscopy modalities
  • Ultrafast and in situ/operando techniques
  • Advanced detector technologies and correlative approaches that reveal structure–function relationships
• Contribute to and enhance data‑intensive microscopy workflows, including data management strategies and, where appropriate, AI/ML‑enabled experimental design and data analysis.
• Oversee day‑to‑day group operations, including resource allocation, budgeting, scheduling, safety protocols and procedures, and facility planning to support both user and in‑house research programs.
• Build and sustain strong collaborations across CNM, APS, other Argonne divisions, and external academic and industrial partners.
• Communicate group goals, progress, and impact effectively to stakeholders at all levels, representing the EXM Group and CNM in internal and external forums.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field, and 10 years of relevant research experience (post‑Ph.D.).
• Considerable knowledge of electron and X‑ray microscopy techniques and their application to nanoscience, with strong connections to chemistry, physics, and materials science.
• Demonstrated understanding of the complementary and synergistic use of electron and X‑ray microscopies to address forefront problems in nanoscience.
• Considerable knowledge of the application of nanostructures to key technological areas such as quantum science and technology, microelectronics, sensing, and energy conversion and storage.
• Considerable experience in designing and implementing novel nanotechnologies as they relate to electron and X‑ray microscopy, including:
  • Ultrafast and time‑resolved methods
  • Advanced detector and instrumentation development
  • Complementary spectroscopies that elucidate structure–property–function relationships
• Knowledge of data management practices and AI/ML approaches for experimental planning, workflow optimization, and data analysis is beneficial.
• Advanced ability to interpret and integrate complex experimental results within current theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with a track record of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, presenting at scientific conferences, and communicating effectively with staff, management, and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to identify, prioritize, and resolve issues, providing clear, concise, and actionable recommendations that support efficient operations and strategic decision‑making.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Demonstrated leadership through influence, including the ability to inspire and guide teams, build consensus across diverse stakeholders, and deliver measurable scientific and operational impact.

Job Details

• Job Family: Research Development (RD)
• Job Profile: Physics Leader 1
• Worker Type: Regular, Full time
• Pay Range: $137,577.00 – $223,567.11 (general guideline; actual offer will vary)
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Additionally, 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. 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) 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.

For a reasonable accommodation or other application support, contact us anytime at [e-mail] or 630‑252‑2336.