Jobs › Argonne National Laboratory

Division Director, X-ray Science Division

Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL · $253,997–$396,236 a year · Full time

Posted Apr 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Argonne National Laboratory

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 large x-ray beamline or comparable complex project you led. What were the biggest lessons?

What they are checking: Whether they have the deep technical project leadership the posting requires.

How do you keep a division of this size safe while running a busy user program?

What they are checking: Whether they own safety and efficient operations as core leadership duties.

How would you develop leaders within XSD and plan for succession?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in people and leadership depth across a large division.

What would you do

How would you lead beamline strategy for 48 beamlines to take full advantage of the APS Upgrade?

What they are checking: Whether they can set priorities across a large beamline portfolio around the new source performance.

How would you decide which beamlines to invest in, retool or retire when resources are limited?

What they are checking: Whether they can make hard portfolio decisions using scientific impact and user demand.

How would you work with APS Partners outside Argonne to fit their programs into a shared facility strategy?

What they are checking: Whether they can align outside partners who have their own goals and funding.

As a member of the APS senior management team, how would you handle disagreements with other directors over priorities?

What they are checking: Whether they can advocate for their division while supporting facility-wide decisions.

About the work

How should x-ray optics, detectors and scientific software R&D be guided so they keep up with the upgraded source?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the enabling technologies that limit what users can actually do.

How do you see data volumes and AI changing how beamlines operate and how users get results?

What they are checking: Whether they have a forward view on computing needs that come with the higher-brightness source.

What new scientific directions do you think the upgraded APS should pursue first?

What they are checking: Whether they bring scientific vision that can guide the facility's future.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Argonne National Laboratory from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

Argonne National Laboratory’s Photon Sciences directorate is seeking a Division Director for the X-ray Science Division (XSD). XSD enables world-class research using x-rays by developing cutting edge x-ray instrumentation and techniques and pursues research in the physical, chemical, environmental, and materials sciences. To accomplish this mission, it fully operates 48 beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), and jointly operates an additional beamline in partnership with Argonne’s Center for Nanoscale materials. The selected Division Director’s responsibilities will include : • Leading beamline development and strategy to take advantage of this leap in source performance • Providing high-level direction and guidance for the instrumentation R&D, x-ray optics, detector and scientific software activities • Collaborating with other Argonne Division Directors and APS Partners outside Argonne to integrate their programs into APS strategies • Serving as a member of the APS senior management team, supporting the APS Director’s Office in the development of new scientific directions for the facility and assure efficient and safe operation of current XSD programs Position Requirements • A PhD in a relevant scientific / technical field with a minimum of 15+ years’ experience is required, including preferred background in developing x-ray beamlines or comparably complex scientific instrumentation • Knowledge of, and a high scientific reputation in, the application of synchrotron radiation, in at least one of the areas aligned with the strategic direction of a high brightness, hard x-ray source is required • Experience in managing relationships with sponsors or shareholders at a senior level, establishing strong partnerships with scientific user communities and sister facilities is preferred • Experience in managing safe, efficient operations in a large scientific/research environment is preferred • Experience developing, managing, and motivating a high-performing population of multi-disciplinary scientific, technical and professional support teams is preferred • Experience in the strategic incorporation of talent management in overall workforce planning is preferred • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills resulting in positive, productive interactions with external and internal contacts at all levels, including senior Laboratory management and distinguished visitors • Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork Job Family Research Development (RD) Job Profile R&D Multi-Functional Leader 4 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $253,997.00 - $396,235.71. 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.

Apply at Argonne National Laboratory