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Physical Data Scientist – Statistical Analysis of Experimental Data

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

Posted Aug 24, 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 an algorithm you moved from research code toward something software engineers could deploy. What had to change?

What they are checking: Experience with the research-to-prototype transition the posting asks them to support.

This role can involve up to 15% travel, including international field work to deploy and collect data on sensors. What field data collection have you done, and what went wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they are realistic about field conditions and can adapt when collection does not go as planned.

What would you do

You inherit an existing statistical method used by the group, and the documentation is thin. How do you get it under control?

What they are checking: Discipline in maintaining and documenting others' methods, which the posting lists as a primary duty.

Your model works well on lab data but performs poorly in the field. How do you figure out why?

What they are checking: Ability to reason about domain shift, sensor differences and real-world conditions.

You think a project's direction won't produce useful results for the sponsor. How do you raise it?

What they are checking: Whether they contribute to long-term planning honestly instead of quietly continuing on a weak path.

About the work

You have sensor data from a field test with very few labeled examples. How do you build a model that you can actually trust?

What they are checking: Experience with limited training data, which the posting names directly, and honest handling of uncertainty.

Explain how you'd set up a hypothesis test to decide whether a weak signal is really present above background in noisy detector data.

What they are checking: Solid statistical reasoning about detection and false alarms, central to physical measurement work.

When would you use a Bayesian approach over a frequentist one for experimental data, and what does each tell your customer?

What they are checking: Whether they choose methods for reasons tied to the problem and can explain the results to non-statisticians.

How do you test and evaluate a new algorithm so a sponsor can trust its performance numbers?

What they are checking: Rigor in validation, since intelligence customers will act on the results.

Describe a result from your graduate research that relied on careful physics understanding, not just a statistical tool.

What they are checking: Whether they bring physical intuition to data analysis, which is the point of a physical data scientist.

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The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

We are seeking a talented Data Scientist to join the Field Intelligence Element (FIE). The FIE enables Argonne National Laboratory to provide products and services to DOE’s Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (DOE-IN), the Intelligence Community (IC), and non-IC federal agencies. Primary Responsibilities: • Develop and apply new machine learning and statistical analysis methods for processing experimental data • Maintain, enhance, and document existing statistical analysis methods used by the group • Collaborate with software engineers to support the transition of algorithms from research to prototype-ready deployment • Assist in long-term planning of project direction and scope as new opportunities arise. • Assist software engineers with in-field integration, testing, and operational support of new algorithms • Conduct testing and evaluation of new algorithms based on theoretical analysis and experimental evaluation • Ability to travel up to 15% of the time, including domestic and international field travel to deploy, test, develop, and collect data on sensor and monitoring systems. Position Requirements • A graduate degree in physics, physical chemistry, or similar field and experience using advanced statistical methods for data analysis • Possess familiarity with machine learning techniques applicable to problems with limited training data • Ability to program in a variety of languages, including Python and R • Familiarity with nuclear physics and gamma spectroscopy • Familiarity with both Bayesian and frequentist statistical concepts and methods • Experience applying statistical concepts to detection/classification problems • To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract. The selected candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance. Please see http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm for more information about requirements for obtaining a security clearance process The selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD2 or RD3) depending upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience brought to the position. The requirements for the desired levels are as follows: • RD2 Level : Bachelors and 5+ years; Master’s and 3+ years; Doctorate and 0+ years in physics or physical chemistry, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $94,486 - $147,399. • RD3 Level : Bachelor’s and 8+ years; Master’s and 5+ years; Doctorate and 4+ years in physics or physical chemistry, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $116,250 - $181,350. Job Family Research Development (RD) Job Profile Software Engineering 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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