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Assistant Beamline Scientist - Hard X-ray Nanoprobe

Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL · $94,486–$147,399 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What experience do you have commissioning a beamline or a major instrument, and what did you learn from it?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the uncertain, hands-on work of bringing 26-ID back into service after the upgrade.

Tell me about a time you supported a user experiment that ran into trouble. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they keep calm and solve problems during beamtime when the user's results are on the line.

How do you balance operating the beamline with presenting and publishing your own research?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep a research record growing while carrying operations duties.

What would you do

A nanoprobe scan shows drift that blurs your image. How would you diagnose and correct it?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the mechanical and thermal stability issues that limit nanoscale imaging.

How do you help a user from a different field, such as biology or electronics, design a good experiment at the nanoprobe?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate x-ray capabilities into useful experiments for multidisciplinary users.

What new instrumentation would you most like to develop for this beamline, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they have ideas for advancing methods that take advantage of the upgraded source.

About the work

Explain how x-ray nanodiffraction works and what kinds of questions it can answer about a material.

What they are checking: Whether they have the deep technique knowledge the posting lists as a strong background requirement.

How would you set up a laser or electrical pump-probe measurement at a nanoprobe beamline?

What they are checking: Whether they understand timing, synchronization and sample stability for time-resolved experiments.

What does coherent diffractive imaging require from the source and the instrument, and how does the upgraded APS help?

What they are checking: Whether they understand coherence, phase retrieval and stability needs well enough to develop methods.

How could AI or ML methods make data collection at 26-ID faster or smarter?

What they are checking: Whether they can apply AI-enabled automation to real beamline challenges, as the posting mentions.

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The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) and the Advanced Photon Source (APS) jointly operate the 26-ID Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (CNM/APS HXN). It provides unique high-resolution imaging capabilities for multidisciplinary nanoscience and nanotechnology research. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented assistant beamline scientist to develop and operate 26-ID for novel nanoscience/technology applications, and to develop advanced methods and instrumentation enabled by the upgraded Advanced Photon Source. Responsibilities include : • Contribute to commissioning and operation of 26-ID. • Collaborate with users to develop nanoscience applications and support user experiments at 26-ID, including x-ray data analysis to develop new insights and scientific knowledge. • Develop advanced microscopy methods & instrumentation, targeting techniques using the upgraded APS source. • Present research findings at meetings, conferences, and journals. • May be required to perform other duties as assigned. Position Requirements • Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelors and 5+ years’ experience, Masters and 3+ years’ experience, PhD and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. • Strong background in x-ray methods and techniques including but not limited to, x-ray nanodiffraction, coherent diffractive imaging, laser or electrical pump-probe, AI & ML enabled automation. • Experience in developing applications in but are not limited to, systems for energy harvesting and storage, microelectronics, quantum information sciences, 2D materials, structural dynamics. • Proficiency in deploying and developing relevant controls/analysis software and AI tools. • In-depth knowledge of x-ray microscopy and associated instrumentation and methods. • Familiarity with x-ray optics and detectors, beamline controls, data acquisition and analysis, are highly preferred. • Ability to work independently as well as in a team-oriented 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. If you are a passionate and driven scientist with a track record of success, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications for the role. Job Family Research Development (RD) Job Profile Physics 2 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94. 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. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits! 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. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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