Scientific Associate / Senior Scientific Associate

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

33d

About The Position

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.

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.
• 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.
• RD1: Bachelors and 0+ years' experience, Masters and 0+ years' experience, or equivalent.
• RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years' experience, Masters and 3+ years' experience, PhD and 0+ years' experience, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Linux based operating systems, python scripting, and EPICS is desirable.
• Knowledge of in-situ or operando sample environments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop and maintain EPICS/Blueskybased controls.
• Deploy and test new control systems, ensuring proper integration with existing beamline workflows.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees