X-Ray Staff Scientist

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering seeks a Staff Scientist specializing in X-ray characterization to support collaborative research, instrumentation operations, and user training within the Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging (CNI). The role focuses on applying XPS, XRD, SAXS, WAXS, and XRF to diverse materials while developing protocols and training programs.

You will ensure safe operation of instruments, assist researchers, and contribute to proposals and educational activities within

Qualifications

• Advanced expertise across multiple X-ray characterization methods, including XPS, XRD, SAXS, WAXS, XRF.
• Experience supporting a multi-user research facility or shared instrumentation lab.
• Experience developing scientific protocols, user training programs, and instrument qualification tests.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical guidance on selecting X-ray characterization methods.
• Train and assist users in X-ray techniques, experimental design, sample prep, instrument operation, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
• Collaborate with USC research groups to apply advanced X-ray methods to research projects.
• Develop, document, and maintain operating procedures, protocols, safety requirements, and qualification tests for instrument users.
• Conduct demonstrations and tutorials for researchers adopting X-ray spectroscopy, diffraction, scattering, or X-ray fluorescence methods.
• Oversee day-to-day operation of instrumentation and related sample preparation equipment.
• Coordinate instrument operations, user support, training, documentation, and lab practices with staff.

Skills

X-ray characterization expertise

XPS, XRD, SAXS, WAXS, XRF

User training and support

Instrument operation and maintenance

Protocol development

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

XPS

XRD

SAXS

WAXS

XRF

Job description

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering seeks a Staff Scientist specializing in X-ray characterization to support collaborative research, instrumentation operations, and user training within the Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging (CNI), a shared instrumentation facility serving researchers across engineering and the physical and life sciences. The Staff Scientist provides scientific and technical expertise in X-ray characterization methods, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The position collaborates with faculty, researchers, students, and other facility users to design and conduct experiments, prepare samples, interpret results, and apply advanced characterization methods to a broad range of research questions. The position is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and effective operation of assigned instruments and associated sample preparation equipment. The Staff Scientist develops user protocols and training materials, qualifies independent instrument users, supports research and instrumentation proposals, and remains current on emerging X-ray characterization technologies and methods.

Additional information about the facility is available through the USC Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging.

CORE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide scientific and technical guidance to faculty, researchers, students, and other facility users on the selection and application of appropriate X-ray characterization methods.
• Train and assist users in advanced X-ray techniques, experimental design, sample preparation, instrument operation, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
• Apply methods including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS), and X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF).
• Collaborate with USC research groups to apply advanced X-ray characterization methods to supported research projects involving hard and soft materials.
• Develop, document, and maintain operating procedures, experimental protocols, training materials, safety requirements, and qualification tests for licensed or independent instrument users.
• Conduct demonstrations and tutorials for researchers seeking to incorporate advanced X-ray spectroscopy, diffraction, scattering, fluorescence, or sample preparation methods into their work.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day operation and scientific use of assigned instrumentation and associated sample preparation equipment.
• Monitor instrument performance, coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs, troubleshoot technical issues, and work with vendors or service providers as needed.
• Establish practices that promote the safe, reliable, and efficient use of instruments, accessories, and facility resources.
• Work with research assistants and other facility personnel to coordinate instrument operations, user support, training, documentation, and laboratory practices.
• Organize and coordinate symposia, workshops, seminars, and other educational programs addressing advanced X-ray characterization methods and emerging technologies.
• Remain current on developments in instrumentation, experimental techniques, analytical methods, and relevant areas of materials characterization.
• Share relevant developments with facility users through seminars, workshops, demonstrations, and individual consultations.
• Contribute scientific and technical content to research proposals that require use of the facility or its instrumentation.
• Support or lead the preparation of proposals for new X-ray and nano‑characterization instrumentation, ancillary equipment, specimen preparation tools, and other facility resources.
• Assist with equipment evaluations, technical specifications, justifications, implementation planning, installation, testing, and commissioning of new instrumentation.
• Maintain appropriate records related to instrument use, training, maintenance, protocols, and facility operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REPORTING LINE AND ADMINISTRATIVE HOME

This position reports through the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (MFD), which serves as the administrative home for the role within the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. The position supports CNI operations and collaborates with CNI leadership, faculty, staff, and facility users across the participating schools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least two years of relevant experience following completion of a doctoral degree.
• Advanced expertise across multiple X-ray characterization methods, including XPS, XRD, SAXS, WAXS, and XRF.
• Experience supporting a multi‑user research facility, shared instrumentation laboratory, core facility, or university research environment.
• Experience developing scientific protocols, user training programs, instrument qualification tests, and laboratory operating procedures.
• Experience contributing to research proposals, instrumentation proposals, technical publications, presentations, workshops, or symposia.
• Experience evaluating, installing, commissioning, or expanding advanced scientific instrumentation.

WORK MODALITY

This is a full‑time onsite position based at USC’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles, California. The position is not eligible for remote work and requires regular onsite presence to operate and maintain instrumentation, train and assist users, support experiments, and meet facility needs. The employee may be required to adjust the work schedule based on instrument operations, research activities, training sessions, workshops, maintenance requirements, or other operational needs.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner consistent with the operational, instructional, and safety requirements of a university laboratory environment. Supervisors may establish reasonable attire and personal protective equipment requirements based on laboratory activities, safety protocols, equipment use, and business needs, including interactions with students, faculty, university leadership, or external stakeholders.

COMPENSATION

The annual base salary range for this position is $98,836.15 to $119,497.99. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and key skills; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, and local laws; contractual requirements; grant funding; and external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Minimum Experience: 5 years

Minimum Skills: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with highly advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories, and concepts. Demonstrated leadership in developing new ideas and ability to publish in appropriate academic and practitioner outlets. Demonstrated independent thinking and leadership in scholarly writing according established criteria (e.g., first-authored publications, conceptual leadership in the development of publications generated alone or with others, writing of first drafts of publications and/or single-authored publications).

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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