ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy Jobs in Chicago, IL

All JobsScanning Electron Microscopy JobsRemote Scanning Electron Microscopy JobsRemote Scanning Electron Microscopy Jobs in Chicago, IL

Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy information

What is remote scanning electron microscopy?

Remote scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a technology that allows users to operate a scanning electron microscope from a different location via the internet. This enables researchers, students, and professionals to analyze samples, capture images, and conduct experiments without being physically present at the lab. Remote SEM is especially useful for collaborative research, education, or when access to specialized equipment is limited. The process typically involves specialized software and a stable internet connection to control the microscope in real time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote scanning electron microscopy specialist?

To thrive as a Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy Specialist, you need a strong background in materials science, physics, or a related field, often supported by at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Proficiency in operating SEM instruments, remote access software, and image analysis tools is typically required, along with relevant certifications in microscopy. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with clients or research teams. These competencies ensure accurate data acquisition, reliable analysis, and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues in a remote environment.

What are some unique challenges of working remotely as a scanning electron microscopy specialist, and how can they be addressed?

Working remotely as an SEM specialist often involves challenges such as limited hands-on instrument access, reliance on stable remote connections, and the need for clear communication with on-site staff. Addressing these challenges typically requires proficiency with remote operation software, establishing reliable protocols with lab personnel, and maintaining flexibility to troubleshoot issues from a distance. Building strong collaboration with on-site team members and staying updated on the latest remote SEM technologies can help ensure smooth workflow and high-quality results.

What is the difference between Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy vs Remote Transmission Electron Microscopy?

AspectRemote Scanning Electron MicroscopyRemote Transmission Electron Microscopy
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in materials science, physics, or related fields; certification in microscopy techniquesSimilar credentials; often requires advanced training in electron microscopy and certification
Work EnvironmentOperates primarily in laboratories with electron microscopes; remote operation allows control from different locationsSimilar environment; remote operation of transmission electron microscopes for detailed imaging
Industry UsageUsed in materials science, nanotechnology, and semiconductor industriesCommon in research institutions, nanotech, and advanced materials analysis

Both roles involve operating electron microscopes remotely, requiring specialized training and similar credentials. The main difference lies in the type of microscopy—scanning vs transmission—used for different detailed imaging applications in science and industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Scanning Electron Microscopy job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Physicist

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

The X-ray Imaging Group (https://www.aps.anl.gov/Imaging) of the X-ray Science Division (XSD) operates the full-field x-ray imaging beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) (https://www.aps.anl.gov/) and pursues collaborative research across materials, energy, environmental, geo-, and life sciences using micro- and nano-tomography and high-speed imaging.

With the APS Upgrade driving a substantial increase in data rates and experimental complexity, the group is investing in AI/ML-driven software, automation, and autonomous experimentation, including a planned fully autonomous, AI-driven tomography beamline - to keep pace with user demand and unlock new science. This work is carried out in close coordination with the APS Computational science and AI (CAI) (https://cai.xray.aps.anl.gov/) group and other APS AI efforts and activities spanning data, computing, and machine learning across the facility. The appointee will benefit from access to world-leading experimental and computational resources at Argonne, including the upgraded APS and the exascale Aurora supercomputer.

We seek highly motivated candidates with strong expertise in AI/ML and in the development of AI tools for scientific operations to join the X-ray Imaging Group. The successful candidate will lead the design and deployment of AI-powered software that supports user operations, automates data acquisition and analysis, and enables closed-loop, autonomous experiments across the group's beamlines.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and deploy AI/ML tools for x-ray imaging operations including reconstruction, super-resolution, spatiotemporal fusion, denoising, segmentation, and feature extraction - and integrate them into the beamline software stack.

  • Build closed-loop experimental workflows in which AI agents use streaming data and real-time reconstruction and analysis to steer measurement decisions, and contribute to the development of a fully autonomous, AI-driven tomography beamline as a flagship project for the group.

  • Collaborate with the APS Computation and AI (CAI) group and engage with other APS AI efforts and activities to align Imaging Group tools with facility-wide AI/ML infrastructure, data services, and computing resources, and to contribute to shared frameworks for autonomous experimentation.

  • Develop automated pipelines for acquisition, quality control, and downstream analysis that translate beamline-scientist expertise and currently manual operational steps into robust, reusable software.

  • Build and maintain pipelines for robust metadata capture and the systematic generation of curated, standardized datasets to support continual AI/ML model training and validation.

  • Provide on-site support for user operations and data collection across the X-ray Imaging Group beamlines, working directly with beamline staff and users during experiments.

  • Contribute to the longer-term extension of AI-enabled automation and autonomy across Imaging Group modalities, including micro- and nano-tomography and high-speed imaging.

  • Prepare experiments and instruments for remote and AI-driven operation.

  • Present research results through publications, conferences, and scientific meetings.

  • May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

  • Ph.D. in computer science, electrical engineering, computational physics, computational materials science, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.

  • Demonstrated expertise in AI/ML applied to imaging or scientific data, including hands-on experience developing and deploying deep-learning models (e.g., CNNs, vision transformers, diffusion models, or related architectures).

  • Strong scientific software development skills in Python and modern deep-learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow), including experience with distributed training on high-performance computing resources.

  • Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) and/or cloud environments.

  • Experience with version control (e.g., Git) and collaborative software development practices.

  • Experience working with experimental imaging data, ideally at a synchrotron, electron microscopy, medical imaging, or comparable facility.

  • Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative, team-based research environment.

  • 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.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

  • Experience developing AI/ML methods specifically for x-ray imaging, tomography, or high-speed imaging applications.

  • Experience designing or contributing to automated, remote, or closed-loop ("self-driving") experimental workflows, including real-time data reduction, on-the-fly reconstruction, and AI-based experimental steering.

  • Experience collaborating with facility-level computing, data, or AI groups to deploy software into production scientific environments.

  • Experience handling high-rate, large-volume imaging datasets and developing high-throughput reconstruction or analysis pipelines.

  • Experience contributing to open-source scientific software projects.

  • Familiarity with metadata standards, data management, and curation practices that support reproducible science and ML training datasets.

  • Familiarity with beamline data acquisition systems, detectors, or controls software, sufficient to integrate AI tools into operational workflows.

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Physics 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe 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.

Apply