Scientific Associate / Senior Scientific Associate

The X-ray Science Division (XSD) Microscopy Group seeks a Scientific Associate to support the In-Situ Nanoprobe (ISN) beamline at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). This role enables precision, high-stability measurements at the tens‑of‑nanometers scale in support of user experiments pursuing research in the physical, chemical, environmental, life, and material sciences.

The successful candidate will implement precision motion and control systems, develop and support in-operando sample environments, and maintain and troubleshoot beamline components to ensure reliable beamline operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Beamline operations and reliability

  • Support day-to-day user operations, monitoring system health, and ensuring rapid fault recovery.

  • Diagnose and resolve issues in motion, electronics, vacuum, controls, and detectors; document root cause and corrective/preventive actions.

• Controls

  • Develop and maintain EPICS/Blueskybased controls.

  • Deploy and test new control systems, ensuring proper integration with existing beamline workflows.

• In‑situ/operando environments

  • Assist with design, integration, and commissioning of in-situ sample cells in gas‑flow or vacuum chambers with heating and cooling capabilities.

  • Interface cell and sample signals with controls and data acquisition.

• User support, documentation, and collaboration

  • Provide hands‑on support during experiments, train users on procedures and safe operation.

  • Produce and maintain procedures, checklists, beamline/controls documentation.

  • Coordinate with APS engineering (controls, mechanical, electrical, vacuum), safety, and IT/data teams; serve as a primary technical interface.

Position Requirements

• Experience in support, operation, and development of complex advanced instrumentation in a scientific user environment.

• Knowledge of maintenance/diagnostics equipment and techniques relating to encoded motion systems, advanced electronics, and computer controls systems.

• Demonstrated troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.

• Ability to make sound independent technical judgments in day-to-day problem solving.

• Knowledge of Linux based operating systems, python scripting, and EPICS is desirable.

• Knowledge of in-situ or operando sample environments is desirable.

• 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.

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD1 or RD2) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

• RD1: Bachelors and 0+ years’ experience, Masters and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $ 74,799 - $ 118,785.

• RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years’ experience, Masters and 3+ years’ experience, PhD and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $ 90,063 - $ 143,010.

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Systems and Design Engineering 1

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $74,799.00 - $118,785.42.

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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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.