Assistant Scientist - Quantum Materials

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

9d•$94,486 - $147,399•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Science Division (MSD) at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for an experimental scientist specializing in quantum materials to join the Quantum States in Crystalline Matter (QSCM) Group. We seek a highly motivated researcher with demonstrated expertise in the synthesis and crystal growth of quantum materials, coupled with a strong interest in advancing the fundamental physics that emerges from these systems. The position offers the opportunity to establish and lead an independent research program while working closely with scientists across the QSCM Group and the broader MSD community. The successful candidate will be expected to develop innovative research directions, publish impactful results in leading scientific journals, contribute to proposal development, and mentor postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and visiting scientists. The new hire will contribute to the QSCM Group’s ongoing research efforts while helping to shape its future scientific directions through the development of novel research initiatives that complement and expand the group’s portfolio. The Quantum States in Crystalline Matter Group is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES)-funded research program dedicated to uncovering the fundamental properties, structures, and dynamics that govern quantum materials. The group maintains a comprehensive suite of crystal growth and synthesis facilities, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction instrumentation, and advanced platforms for measuring physical properties under a wide range of temperatures, magnetic fields, and pressures. QSCM researchers engage in extensive collaborations throughout Argonne National Laboratory and regularly conduct experiments at world-leading user facilities, including the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM). The group also maintains strong partnerships with external facilities such as the neutron-scattering centers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), providing unparalleled opportunities to pursue cutting-edge research in quantum materials.

Requirements

Ph.D. in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
2+ years of postdoc experience.
Postdoctoral research experience within the field of quantum materials.
Expertise in single crystal growth of inorganic quantum materials.
Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience in the growth and synthesis of inorganic quantum materials using techniques such as optical floating zone, vapor transport, flux growth, Bridgman growth, and related methods.
Expertise in crystal structure determination using X-ray diffraction.
Experience with bulk property characterization techniques, including electrical transport, specific heat, and magnetic measurements.
Familiarity with conducting or collaborating on experiments at major national user facilities, including synchrotron and neutron-scattering centers.

Responsibilities

Establish and lead an independent research program.
Develop innovative research directions.
Publish impactful results in leading scientific journals.
Contribute to proposal development.
Mentor postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and visiting scientists.
Contribute to the QSCM Group’s ongoing research efforts.
Shape the future scientific directions of the QSCM Group through the development of novel research initiatives.