X-Ray Staff Scientist

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering seeks a Staff Scientist specializing in X-ray characterization to support collaborative research and user training within the Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging (CNI).

The role provides technical expertise in XPS, XRD, SAXS, WAXS, and XRF, and ensures safe operation of instruments, develops training materials, and supports proposals for research and instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Experience with X-ray characterization methods and interpretation.
• Ability to design experiments, train users, and develop protocols.
• Familiarity with instrument operation, safety, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical guidance on X-ray characterization methods.
• Train users in advanced X-ray techniques, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Apply XPS, XRD, SAXS, WAXS, and XRF to diverse research questions.
• Collaborate with USC groups to support research projects with hard and soft materials.
• Develop operating procedures, safety protocols, and qualification tests for users.
• Oversee instrument operation, maintenance, and vendor interactions.
• Coordinate user support, documentation, and training activities.

Skills

X-ray characterization

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.

The Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging (CNI) is a USC core center co-managed by the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and is co-led by James Boedicker, Co-Director and Professor of Physics and Biological Sciences, and Javakanth Ravichandran, Co-Director and Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. 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 o