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Assistant Physicist - Coherent X-ray Scattering

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

Posted Aug 27, 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

Tell me about a collaboration you started that grew into a lasting research partnership.

What they are checking: Whether they can build the user community the posting says this role should foster.

Describe a time an experiment gave results you did not expect. What did you do next?

What they are checking: Whether they follow surprising data with careful checks before drawing conclusions.

What would you do

This is a joint hire supporting both 8-ID and 28-ID. How would you split your time and keep both groups satisfied?

What they are checking: Whether they can serve two groups fairly without letting one beamline's needs crowd out the other.

The position requires daily on-site presence to support beamline operations. How do you see that fitting into your work?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the hands-on commitment that running user operations requires.

How do you help a new user who has never done a coherent scattering experiment get good data?

What they are checking: Whether they can guide users through a demanding technique and set realistic expectations.

About the work

Explain x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and what it tells you about dynamics in condensed matter.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the coherent scattering methods central to the 8-ID beamline.

How does the APS Upgrade change what is possible with coherent x-ray scattering?

What they are checking: Whether they can identify the new science that higher coherent flux makes possible.

What research program would you build using coherence to study structure and dynamics?

What they are checking: Whether they arrive with a clear and ambitious research direction that fits both groups.

How would you study the real-time evolution of a surface or thin film during growth using x-rays?

What they are checking: Whether they connect to the in situ surface scattering focus of the SSM group.

How do you handle the data rates from fast area detectors in coherent scattering experiments?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the computing side of modern coherent scattering, including correlation analysis at scale.

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The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

This is a joint hire between XSD-DYS and XSD-SSM groups for Coherent X-ray Scattering. The Dynamics and Structure (DYS) group within the X-ray Science Division specializes in leveraging coherent X-rays to investigate the intricate relationship among structure, kinetics, and dynamics in condensed matter. The Surface Scattering and Microdiffraction (SSM) group within the X-ray Science Division specializes in utilizing surface scattering, microscopy and coherent scattering to study the in-situ real-time evolution of materials. The two groups are jointly seeking candidates for an Assistant Physicist position to support the 8-ID and 28-ID beamlines. The successful candidate will advance diffraction-based techniques, with a particular emphasis on developing new scientific opportunities that leverage the coherence properties of X-rays to investigate the structure and dynamics of condensed matter systems. In addition to pursuing a strong research program, the Assistant Physicist will support user operations at both beamlines and play a key role in fostering a vibrant user community through collaborations in key scientific areas that promote the groups’ strategic growth. This position requires a daily on-site presence at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, to support beamline operations and user experiments. Position Requirements • Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics or a related field, with expertise in coherent X-ray scattering or imaging, X-ray diffraction such as micro- or nano-diffraction. • Hands-on experience working at diffraction beamlines at synchrotron facilities. • Strong skills in data analysis and ability to program in languages such as Python for performing experiments and analyzing data. • Strong communication skills for working in a multidisciplinary team environment. • Ability to synthesize research findings into work products such as articles for publication in scientific journals, technical reports, presentations at professional conferences, etc. • Strong self-motivation and interest in researching relevant topics. • 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. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience • A background in coherent scattering techniques such as X-ray Photon Correlation spectroscopy or Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction. • A background in thin film growth and materials synthesis via chemical vapor deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition or reactive sputtering 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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