Assistant Beamline Scientist / Beamline Scientist

The Structural Science group (SRS) in the X-ray Science Division (XSD) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) enables world-class research using high-energy x-rays by developing cutting edge instrumentation and techniques, and pursuing research in the physical, chemical, environmental, and materials sciences.

To accomplish this mission, SRS operates five independent beamlines in the photon energy range between 26 to 120 keV. We are currently seeking a beamline scientist to support the high-energy x-ray beamlines operated by the SRS group. The beamlines are dedicated to in situ and operando diffraction and total scattering experiments for pair distribution function (PDF) analysis in combination with multimodal approaches, such as small angle scattering, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence, Compton scattering, or Residual Gas Analysis.

Beamline 11-BM is a dedicated high-resolution diffraction instrument utilizing multi-analyzers/detectors system providing world-class sensitivity and resolution.  Beamlines 11-ID-B and 11-ID-C are world-leading instruments dedicated to total x-ray scattering and x-ray diffraction under extreme conditions, respectively. Our newest APS-U Enhanced beamline 11-ID-D will enable novel experiments with highest flux, sub-micrometer focused beam, and extreme total scattering including the small angle scattering regime, thus leveraging the strength of the most brilliant high-energy storage ring world-wide.

Beamline 17-BM is a rapid acquisition powder diffraction beamline optimized for in situ data collection, with a focus on long-duration experiments and experiments enhanced by robotics.

The successful candidate will work within a highly motivated and diverse team to support user experiments and develop new techniques, sample environments, and/or novel data acquisition strategies for the beamlines in the SRS group.

Position Requirements

• Requires a PhD in physics, chemistry, computer science, materials science or a related discipline and at least 2 years of experience with independent scientific work after PhD

• Experience in conducting in situ and operando diffraction experiments

• Experience with Python and/or C/C++

• Knowledge of diffraction theory, crystallography, and approaches to advanced analysis including structural refinement and modeling

• Skill in oral and written communication of scientific results and experimental plans

• Ability to work well in a team environment

• Flexibility and fast adaptation to new situations

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

• Ability to understand, value, and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

To complement our team, we are looking for one or more of the following qualifications:

• Instrumentation design including hands on realization

• Development of scripts for advanced data acquisition and analysis strategies

• Expertise in x-ray optics

• Experience with automation and robotics

• Experience in beamline controls using EPICS, SPEC or BlueSky

• Knowledge in engineering materials science

• Knowledge in materials for energy storage and sustainability

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD2 or RD3) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

• RD2 (Assistant Beamline Scientist): Bachelors and 5+ years’ experience, Masters and 3+ years’ experience, PhD and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent

• RD3 (Beamline Scientist): Bachelors and 8+ years’ experience, Masters and 5+ years’ experience, PhD and 4+ years’ experience, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Physics 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnan