A postdoc position is immediately available at the Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Laboratory. This position will involve developing X-ray coherent scattering imaging techniques, especially surface holography, and their application to elucidate the spatiotemporal structure of nanostructures at surfaces and interfaces.
The coherence-based probes will align with the capabilities promised by the upgraded Advanced Photon Source with a new, highly brilliant source and the featured CSSI beamline dedicated to surface coherent scattering. The project scope also includes developing reconstruction algorithms that incorporate multiply-beam coherent scattering imaging in a grazing incidence geometry to improve the spatial resolution to ultimately demonstrate the utility of the novel coherent-based high-resolution surface-sensitive methods.
In addition, working with the APS staff scientists, the successful candidate will demonstrate the applications to probe surface and interface nanomaterials such as microelectronics and self-assembly of nanocomposites. Therefore, we seek highly motivated candidates to drive the project independently while interacting closely with senior members of the research group.
The term of the positions is typically two years, with the possibility to renew for the 3rd year, contingent on the project process and availability of funds.
Recent publication most related to the project:
Probing three-dimensional mesoscopic interfacial structures in a single view using multibeam X-ray coherent surface scattering and holography imaging, Nature Communications 14, 5795 (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39984-3
Position Requirements
This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in Physics, or a related field at the PhD level with zero to five years of employment experience with expertise in coherent X-ray scattering and imaging.
Expertise in surface X-ray scattering is required.
Understanding coherent diffractive imaging and ptychography is strongly preferred.
Strong data analysis skills and ability in programming languages, such as Python, for performing experiments and analyzing data.
Knowledge of innovative phase retrieval algorithms is desirable.
Hands-on experience working at beamlines at synchrotron facilities.
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.
Job Family
Postdoctoral Family
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other 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.