Assistant Physicist – Laue Microdiffraction

The Surface Scattering and Microdiffraction (SSM) group in the X-ray Science Division of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory seeks an Assistant Physicist to support the operation, development, and scientific program of the 34-ID-E beamline.

34-ID-E provides polychromatic and monochromatic micro- and nanofocused X-ray beams for spatially resolved studies of crystalline materials. Its core capability is 3D Laue microdiffraction, used to characterize crystal structure, orientation, strain, and microstructural evolution. The beamline also supports X-ray diffraction, fluorescence, and coherent X-ray techniques for materials research.

Position Responsibilities:

• Support commissioning, operation, and continued development of the 34-ID-E beamline.
• Develop advanced X-ray microdiffraction and microscopy methods, instrumentation, and scientific applications that take advantage of the upgraded APS source.

• Support user experiments at 34-ID-E, including guidance on data analysis and interpretation.

• Contribute to the growth of the beamline's user community.

• Carry out independent and collaborative research and help expand scientific capabilities at 34-ID-E.

• Publish and present research results in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in physics, materials science, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of X-ray diffraction, crystallography, and microdiffraction, with applications to materials characterization.
• Experience with synchrotron X-ray techniques and experimental methods.
• Scientific programming and computational skills for data analysis, experimental workflows, or instrument control.
• Ability to analyze and interpret diffraction and materials-characterization data.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a scientific team environment.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience with Laue diffraction, nanodiffraction, and spatially resolved crystallographic characterization.
• Knowledge of X-ray optics, focusing systems, detectors, precision instrumentation, and beamline systems.
• Experience with coherent X-ray diffraction, scattering, imaging, or related techniques.
• Experience developing X-ray instrumentation, experimental methods, or data-analysis tools.
• Experience supporting experiments at a synchrotron or other large-scale research facility.

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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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