The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for an Assistant Scientist position focused on transformational research enabled by the development and application of advanced synchrotron X-ray microscopy capabilities. This role will take particular advantage of new opportunities created by the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade and the CNM Hard X-ray Nanoprobe Beamline (CNM/APS HXN).
CNM is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility that provides researchers from around the world with state-of-the-art instrumentation, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities in multidisciplinary nanoscience and nanotechnology. Our research environment is designed to support cutting-edge science by both staff and the global user community.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a scientist who is eager to build an innovative research program while also contributing to the scientific and technical leadership of a premier user facility.
The successful candidate will contribute in two areas of equal importance:
1. Develop a leading research program
The candidate will establish and grow a world-class research program that leverages the unique capabilities of the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade and the CNM/APS HXN beamline. Research should align with CNM’s strategic scientific directions, particularly in the study of nanoscale interfacial phenomena and dynamic processes in materials and devices.
Nanoscale structure–property relationships and dynamic processes in energy materials, quantum materials, microelectronics, and 2D materials
Operando and in situ studies of materials evolution under external stimuli
Coherent imaging and ptychography of functional nanomaterials
AI/ML-enabled autonomous experimentation and advanced data analysis
2. Provide leadership for beamline science and user operations
The candidate will also provide scientific and technical leadership for user experiments and operations at the CNM/APS HXN beamline. This includes working closely with a diverse international user community to support high-impact experiments and to advance the instrumentation, methods, and analysis tools that expand the facility’s scientific reach and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and lead an independent, high-impact research program in synchrotron X-ray microscopy and related nanoscale characterization methods
Leverage the capabilities of the APS Upgrade and CNM/APS HXN beamline to pursue innovative scientific opportunities
Conduct research aligned with CNM strategic priorities in nanoscale materials and device science
Support and guide user experiments at the beamline, helping enable successful and cutting-edge research outcomes
Advance beamline capabilities through new instrumentation, experimental methods, and analytical approaches
Collaborate with staff, users, and external partners across a broad range of disciplines
Contribute to the growth and scientific vitality of the CNM user program
Position Requirements
A Ph.D. in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or a related physical science discipline
A strong background in experimental or analytical synchrotron X-ray research and/or other advanced microscopy techniques relevant to materials research
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Preferred Qualifications
Laser or electrical pump-probe methods
Coherent diffraction imaging and phase retrieval
Artificial intelligence and machine learning for experimentation or data analysis
Application Materials
A cover letter describing how their experience and expertise would contribute to success in this role
A detailed curriculum vitae, including:
a list of publications
the names and addresses of three professional references
A 2-page statement of proposed research
A 1-page statement outlining an approach to engaging and growing the scientific user program
RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent
Job Family
Research Development (RD)Job Profile
Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2Worker Type
RegularTime Type
Full timePlease 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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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
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Argonne National Laboratory focuses on solving the most challenging scientific problems through advanced modeling and simulation on the most capable computers. The division aims to build lab-wide cross-cutting simulation application capabilities integrating with mathematics, computer science, domain science, and advanced computing architectures and facilities.