Postdoctoral Appointee - MSD Ultrafast Time-Resolved X-ray Diffraction Microscopy and Spectroscopy for Quantum Materials

Argonne National Laboratory; Illinois; On-site; USD 71,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory's Coherent and Ultrafast X-ray Science Group seeks a postdoctoral appointee to lead ultrafast time-resolved hard X-ray diffraction microscopy and spectroscopy on quantum materials.

The successful candidate will work with the Materials Science Division and the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and collaborate with external partners to exploit state-of-the-art facilities for exploring transient states with high temporal and spatial resolution, including nonequilibrium phase

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, materials science, or closely related field.
• Experience with time-resolved X-ray techniques and in-situ X-ray microscopies.
• Experience at synchrotron or XFEL facilities preferred.
• Hands-on with ultrafast pump-probe or in-situ experiments using laser, magnetic, or electrical fields.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Time-resolved XRD

In-situ X-ray nanoscopy

Python

MATLAB

Ultrafast pump-probe

Education

Ph.D. in Physics / Materials Science & Engineering / Applied Physics

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. 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.

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