Assistant Microscopy Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for an Assistant Scientist position from candidates with expertise in time-resolved photoemission electron microscopy (TR-PEEM) and related experimental techniques for the study of nanomaterials and quantum materials.
We seek a creative and collaborative scientist with experience in developing and applying ultrafast, spatially resolved approaches to investigate nanoscale dynamical phenomena, including charge and energy transfer, carrier dynamics, exciton behavior, interfacial processes, and photoinduced effects. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a world-class user facility and to help shape a leading-edge research program in ultrafast nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy.
About the Center for Nanoscale Materials
The Center for Nanoscale Materials is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility that provides researchers from around the world with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities in multidisciplinary nanoscience and nanotechnology. CNM is dedicated to enabling transformative discoveries through both staff-led research and user-driven science.
The Role
The successful candidate will divide their efforts approximately equally between:

• Independent and collaborative research, and
• Scientific and technical support of CNM users

In this role, you will contribute to and help expand CNM's internationally recognized experimental program in TR-PEEM and related ultrafast nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy tools. We especially welcome candidates whose research interests align with CNM's strategic scientific directions and who are eager to leverage complementary capabilities available across CNM and Argonne.
A key part of this position is engaging with the broader scientific community by supporting internal and external users, advancing new experimental capabilities, and enabling impactful collaborative research.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an experimental research program using time-resolved photoemission electron microscopy to investigate structural, electronic, and dynamical phenomena in nanomaterials
• Advance and apply TR-PEEM methodologies for nanoscale studies of charge, spin, excitonic, and/or energy-transfer processes
• Support the operation, development, optimization, and scientific application of TR-PEEM instrumentation and related experimental systems
• Provide scientific and technical support for user experiments, helping ensure successful execution and ongoing development of user-driven research projects
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers to advance discovery in nanoscience, ultrafast science, and nanoscale imaging
• Contribute to CNM's strategic scientific directions through innovative research, instrumentation development, and active user engagement
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and communicate findings through presentations, reports, and collaborative interactions

Position Requirements
Candidates should have a strong research background in nanoscience, condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline, with a clear emphasis on photoemission electron microscopy, ultrafast pump-probe measurements, and/or instrumentation development. Experience with complementary approaches relevant to TR-PEEM is highly valued, including ultrafast optical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, ultrahigh vacuum systems, and surface science methods.

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated expertise in time-resolved photoemission electron microscopy, photoemission electron microscopy, or closely related ultrafast and spatially resolved experimental methods
• Experience with relevant instrumentation, such as ultrafast laser systems, pump-probe techniques, electron optics, vacuum systems, surface-sensitive spectroscopy, photoemission methods, and nanoscale imaging platforms
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in areas such as TR-PEEM, PEEM, ultrafast microscopy, nanomaterials characterization, or related instrumentation and applications
• Experience studying nanomaterials, low-dimensional materials, interfaces, quantum materials, or photoactive systems is highly desirable
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment and to provide scientific guidance to a diverse user community
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

To Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials through the Argonne National Laboratory Careers Portal:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your experience and expertise would contribute to success in the role
• A detailed curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
• The names and contact information for three professional references
• A 1-2 page research statement outlining your scientific research directions and your approach to engaging with and contributing to the scientific user program

We encourage applications from candidates who are excited to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative scientific environment.
RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent
Job Family
Research Development (RD)
Job Profile
Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.
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.
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.
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.