Postdoctoral Appointee - MSD Ultrafast Time-Resolved X-ray Diffraction Microscopy and Spectrosc[...]

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory’s Coherent and Ultrafast X-ray Science Group seeks a postdoctoral appointee to lead time-resolved hard X-ray diffraction microscopy and spectroscopy on single-crystalline quantum materials. The role collaborates with APS and XFEL facilities to explore nonequilibrium dynamics, phonons, magnons, and emergent quasiparticles, advancing ultrafast structural and electronic insights.

The position offers exposure to world-leading facilities, opportunities to publish in top

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, or closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in time-resolved X-ray diffraction and in-situ X-ray micro/nanoscopy.
• Experience with synchrotron or XFEL facilities.
• Hands-on experience with ultrafast pump-probe or in-situ techniques using laser, magnetic, or electrical fields.
• Proficiency in experimental electronics and timing systems (pulse, delay, gating, synchronization).
• Proficiency in x-ray data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead ultrafast X-ray diffraction and in-situ experiments at synchrotron and XFEL facilities.
• Design and implement synchronization and timing electronics for sub-nanosecond measurements.
• Analyze multidimensional datasets (time, space, reciprocal space, temperature).
• Collaborate with beamline scientists to commission advanced instrumentation and measurement schemes.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Time-resolved X-ray diffraction

In-situ X-ray nanoscopy

Ultrafast pump-probe techniques

Electronics timing systems

Python/MATLAB data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, or related

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

The Coherent and Ultrafast X-ray Science Group in the Materials Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral appointee to lead research in ultrafast time-resolved hard X-ray diffraction microscopy and spectroscopy on single-crystalline bulk and thin film quantum materials (e.g. ferroelectrics, multiferroics, strongly correlated electron systems). This position will focus on ultrafast dynamics in femto- to nanosecond time-domains in quantum materials including nonequilibrium phase transitions and collective excitations in quantum materials, including phonons, magnons, and other emergent quasiparticles. The successful candidate will lead time-resolved X-ray diffraction experiments to reveal structural and electronic dynamics in condensed matter systems. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with scientists at the Materials Science Division and the Advanced Photon Source (APS) as well as collaborate with external partners to exploit state-of-the-art synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities for exploring transient states with high temporal and spatial resolution.

Although the maximum salary for the position is $117,925, the actual range is $79,000 to $84,000.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead ultrafast X-ray diffraction and in-situ experiments at synchrotron and XFEL facilities to probe structural and electronic dynamics in quantum materials.
• Design and implement synchronization and timing electronics, including pulse, function, and delay generators, for sub-nanosecond and femtosecond measurements.
• Analyze multidimensional datasets (time, space, reciprocal space, and temperature).
• Collaborate with beamline scientists to commission advanced instrumentation and novel measurement schemes.
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.

This position will provide the opportunity to:

• Lead cutting-edge time-resolved X-ray experiments at world-leading synchrotron and XFEL facilities.
• Explore the dynamics of emergent phenomena, including non-equilibrium structural, magnetic, and electronic phase transitions or collective excitations, in quantum materials.
• Collaborate with diverse and interdisciplinary teams within the Materials Science division at the Argonne National Laboratory and external collaborators.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. (completed or soon to be completed) in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in time-resolved X-ray diffraction and in-situ X-ray micro/nanoscopy.
• Experience working with synchrotron or X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities.
• Hands-on experience with ultrafast pump-probe or in-situ experimental techniques employing laser, magnetic, or electrical fields.
• Proficiency in experimental electronics and timing systems (e.g., pulse generators, delay generators, gating electronics, and synchronization circuits).
• Demonstrated proficiency in x-ray data analysis and instrument control using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent programming languages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of X-ray optics, detector systems, and beamline instrumentation.
• Background knowledge in ultrafast phase transition and structural dynamics in condensed matter systems.

Job Family Postdoctoral Job Profile Postdoctoral Appointee Worker Type Long-Term (Fixed Term) Time Type Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only.

Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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