Postdoctoral Appointee - Ultrafast Microscale Photonics for X-ray Optics

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 72,879 - 121,465; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is offering a postdoctoral position at the Advanced Photon Source. The successful candidate will enhance the development of ultrafast microscale photonics and MEMS devices for X-ray optics.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field, with skills in MEMS device testing and simulation. The salary range is expected to be $72,879.00–$121,465.00, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed within the past five years or soon-to-be completed.
• Strong understanding of materials used in MEMS.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate MEMS devices.
• Test and characterize MEMS device performance.
• Develop feedback and control strategies for MEMS operation.
• Carry out time-resolved X-ray experiments using MEMS-based optics.

Skills

X-ray scattering

MEMS device characterization

Signal processing

Verbal and written communication

Research synthesis

Education

Ph.D. in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field

Tools

Software tools for simulation

Job description

Position Overview

A postdoctoral position is immediately available at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of ultrafast microscale photonics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices for X‑ray optics at synchrotron radiation facilities and other accelerator‑based photon sources.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and simulate MEMS devices.
• Test and characterize device performance.
• Develop feedback and control strategies for precise MEMS operation.
• Design and carry out time‑resolved X‑ray experiments using MEMS‑based X‑ray optics.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field completed within the past five years or soon‑to‑be completed.
• Experience in X‑ray scattering is highly desirable but not required.
• Strong understanding of the properties of materials used in MEMS and their compatibility with X‑ray optics applications.
• Expertise in testing, characterizing, and measuring MEMS devices, as well as designing feedback loops and control algorithms for their precise operation.
• Experience using software tools to simulate the physical properties and behavior of MEMS structures.
• Hands‑on experience with signal processing and RF test instrumentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize research results into scholarly and technical outputs, including journal articles, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Strong self‑motivation and a demonstrated interest in relevant research topics.
• A commitment to Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Additional Information

Initial appointment is typically for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year, contingent upon project progress and funding availability.

Relevant Publications:

1. P. Chen et al., Ultrafast photonic micro‑systems to manipulate hard X‑rays at 300 picoseconds, Nat Commun, 10:1158 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09077-1
2. P. Chen et al., Optics-on-a-chip for ultrafast manipulation of 350‑MHz hard X‑ray pulses, Optics Express, 29, 13624 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.411023
3. J. Zhou et al., Picosecond Synchrotron Pulse Shaper on-Chip, arXiv:2211.03567, http://arxiv.org/abs/2211.03567 (Revised manuscript to be submitted).

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Salary and Benefits

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00–$121,465.00. Benefits are part of the total rewards package.