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

Argonne National Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 79,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral appointee to lead research in ultrafast time‑resolved X‑ray diffraction microscopy on quantum materials. The successful candidate will conduct advanced experiments, contribute to significant science publications, and collaborate with world-class facilities.

This position demands a Ph.D. in a relevant field and expertise in time-resolved techniques. The offer includes an attractive salary range of $79,000 to $84,000 annually, contingent upon completion of a background check.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (completed or soon to be completed) in a relevant field.
• Expertise in time‑resolved X‑ray diffraction and in‑situ X‑ray micro/nanoscopy.
• Proficiency in data analysis and instrument control using relevant programming languages.

Responsibilities

• Lead ultrafast X‑ray diffraction experiments and data analysis.
• Design synchronization and timing electronics for measurements.
• Collaborate with beamline scientists and publish results.

Skills

Demonstrated expertise in time‑resolved X‑ray diffraction

Proficiency in experimental electronics

X‑ray data analysis using Python

Experience with synchrotron facilities

Hands-on experience with ultrafast techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline

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 the femto‑to‑nanosecond time domain in quantum materials including nonequilibrium phase transitions and collective excitations such as 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 and will work closely with scientists at the Materials Science Division, the Advanced Photon Source (APS), and 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.

Opportunities

• 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 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.

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) that the individual 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.

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.