Postdoctoral Appointee - X-ray Raman Microscopy Instrumentation

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to lead the technical definition of a next-generation X-ray Raman Scattering (XRS) microscopy instrument proposed under a DOE Major Item of Equipment (MIE) effort. Building on two decades of APS XRS capability (including the LERIX program at 20-ID) and recent commissioning work at Sector 25, the postdoc will translate demonstrated prototype performance into a complete, buildable engineering specifications package for a scaled multi-element analyzer spectrometer and associated microscope/imaging capabilities. In addition to instrumentation definition, the postdoc will help grow an XRS microscopy user community by engaging prospective users, communicating instrument capabilities, and contributing to proposal/experiment planning. The postdoc will interface directly with visiting researchers to execute experiments at the beamline, including hands-on support during beamtimes and development of practical data processing and interpretation workflows. The appointee will also pursue a collaborative science program leveraging the developing instrument capabilities, leading to peer-reviewed publications and early “pathfinder” experiments that establish performance and scientific impact.

This role combines end-to-end instrumentation leadership (requirements, design maturation, interfaces, test/acceptance planning) with commissioning-ready planning and early development of an XRS user program. The work will be carried out within the APS Spectroscopy Group (SPC) and will involve close collaboration with APS engineering, controls and data systems, and internal and external scientific partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead preparation of a review-ready engineering specifications document for the proposed XRS microscopy instrument, including:

  • performance requirements (throughput/solid angle, energy resolution, imaging/spatial resolution, stability),

  • spectrometer architecture and scaling plan (baseline 6-element prototype at Sector 25 to ~18 analyzer elements),

  • mechanical/optical layouts, tolerances, alignment strategy, and stability requirements,

  • detector, motion, and sample environment requirements as applicable to in situ/operando measurements,

  • controls, data acquisition, and metadata/interface requirements,

  • commissioning, verification, and acceptance test criteria appropriate for an MIE execution environment.

• Use results from prototype testing/commissioning at Sector 25 to quantify tradeoffs and finalize requirements for the scaled instrument.

• Coordinate with APS technical staff (engineering, controls, and operations) to ensure requirements are feasible, testable, maintainable, and consistent with APS safety and operational constraints.

• (Contingent on MIE approval and project schedule) contribute to or lead aspects of fabrication support, integration, installation, and commissioning, including alignment procedures, performance validation, and documentation.

• Support development of an early XRS microscopy user program, including collaboration-building, experiment planning, and development of data processing/analysis workflows.

• Publish instrumentation and science outcomes in peer-reviewed journals and present results at relevant conferences; contribute to collaborative projects aligned with Argonne initiatives (e.g., CarbonX, ESRA).

• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverable:

A complete, internally reviewable engineering specifications package that enables procurement/fabrication, integration, and commissioning of the next-generation XRS microscopy instrument within a DOE MIE framework.

Working Environment:

Work is performed in a collaborative beamline/instrumentation environment at the APS and may include shift work during commissioning or beamtime periods, hands-on work with precision opto-mechanical hardware, and compliance with APS safety and training requirements.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. completed within the last 0–5 years in Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in X-ray spectroscopy and/or synchrotron instrumentation, such as analyzer-based spectrometers, XES/XAS/XRS methods, or related optical/mechanical systems.

• Evidence of strong technical communication skills, including publications and/or technical documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and to execute complex technical tasks with attention to detail and safety.

• 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.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience with Rowland-circle / bent crystal analyzer spectrometers, asymmetric reflections, and/or high-resolution hard X-ray spectroscopy.

• Prior synchrotron beamtime experience (APS/NSLS-II/SLAC/ESRF, etc.), including experimental planning, execution, and data treatment.

• Familiarity with instrument commissioning practices: alignment metrology, stability analysis, requirements verification, and acceptance testing.

• Experience with data reduction/analysis scripting (e.g., Python) and/or beamline control and DAQ environments (e.g., EPICS).

• Experience supporting users or mentoring students in an experimental facility setting.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

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.

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