Postdoctoral Appointee - Ultrafast Microscale Photonics for X-ray Optics

Women In Science; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the Advanced Photon Source (APS). The successful candidate will help develop ultrafast microscale photonics and MEMS-based X-ray optics for synchrotron facilities. The project emphasizes nonlinear MEMS oscillators driven by RF signals to modulate X-ray pulses, with related publications provided.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in EE, ME, physics, or a related field within five years, strong MEMS experience, and solid

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field completed within the past five years or soon‑to‑be completed.
• Experience with MEMS devices design, testing, and characterization.
• Experience with RF test instrumentation and signal processing.
• Ability to design feedback/control loops for precise MEMS operation.
• Experience using software to simulate MEMS properties and behavior.

Responsibilities

• Designing and simulating MEMS devices.
• Testing and characterizing device performance.
• Developing feedback and control strategies for MEMS operation.
• Designing and carrying out time-resolved X-ray experiments using MEMS-based X-ray optics.

Skills

MEMS design

RF instrumentation

X-ray optics

signal processing

simulation software

communication skills

multidisciplinary teamwork

scholarly outputs

Education

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

Tools

MEMS simulation software

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

Job Description

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.

This project focuses on developing highly nonlinear MEMS-based oscillators driven by storage-ring radio-frequency (RF) signals to enable advanced manipulation of X-ray pulses. Background information on the project can be found in the publications listed below.

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Designing and simulating MEMS devices
• Testing and characterizing device performance
• Developing feedback and control strategies for precise MEMS operation
• Designing and carrying out time‑resolved X‑ray experiments using MEMS‑based X‑ray optics

Relevant Publications

• 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.
• 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 (Featured in a weekly News Release by the publisher: Tiny Chip‑Based Device Performs Ultrafast Modulation of X‑Rays.)
• J. Zhou et al., Picosecond Synchrotron Pulse Shaper on‑Chip, arXiv:2211.03567, http://arxiv.org/abs/2211.03567. (Revised manuscript to be submitted).

Position Requirements

• 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
• A 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

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 $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

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.

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