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Synchrotron Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Background in supporting experiments at synchrotron or laboratory X-ray sources * Experience collaborating with scientists on exploratory or R&D projects * Research experience in X-ray optics ...

Background in supporting experiments at synchrotron or laboratory X-ray sources * Experience collaborating with scientists on exploratory or R&D projects * Research experience in X-ray optics ...

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Synchrotron information

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$42.5K

$86K

$116.5K

How much do synchrotron jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for synchrotron in the United States is $85,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Synchrotron Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Synchrotron Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, materials science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant PhD and research experience. Expertise in synchrotron radiation techniques, data analysis software, and familiarity with advanced instrumentation is essential. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help in collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams and conveying complex findings. These abilities are vital for advancing scientific research, optimizing facility operations, and ensuring high-impact results.

What are synchrotrons and what do they do?

A synchrotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses powerful magnets and electric fields to accelerate charged particles, such as electrons, to nearly the speed of light. As these particles are accelerated in a circular path, they emit extremely bright light known as synchrotron radiation. This light is then used in a variety of scientific research fields, including physics, materials science, biology, and chemistry, to study the structure and properties of different materials at the molecular and atomic level.

What are some typical challenges faced by scientists working at a synchrotron facility, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Scientists at synchrotron facilities often work in highly collaborative, fast-paced environments where experiments are scheduled tightly and downtime is minimal. New hires may face challenges such as adapting to complex instrumentation, managing time efficiently during beamtime, and working with multidisciplinary teams. It's important to develop strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a willingness to learn new experimental techniques quickly. Being proactive in seeking mentorship and training opportunities can help smooth the transition and build confidence in operating specialized equipment.

What is the difference between Synchrotron vs Particle Accelerator Technician?

AspectSynchrotronParticle Accelerator Technician
CredentialsPhysics or engineering degree, certifications in accelerator technologyTechnical diploma or degree, certifications in accelerator systems
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, laboratories, large-scale scientific installationsResearch centers, laboratories, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageScientific research, medical applications, materials scienceMaintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of accelerators

Both roles involve working with particle accelerators, but Synchrotron specialists focus on large-scale synchrotron light sources used in research, while Particle Accelerator Technicians handle the day-to-day operation and maintenance of various accelerator types. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Synchrotron jobs
X-ray Microscopy Beamline Scientist

X-ray Microscopy Beamline Scientist

Brookhaven National Laboratory

Upton, NY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Imaging and Microscopy Program at BNL's National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) offers world-class capabilities for imaging complex and heterogeneous materials with diverse imaging modalities at multiple length scales. The Imaging and Microscopy Program operates four beamlines (FXI, HXN, SRX, CDI) with strong general user programs and is constructing the SXN beamline. FXI and HXN are nanoscale resolution beamlines offering full-field and scanning imaging capabilities, respectively. SRX is a hard X-ray scanning probe with a sub-micron focus to bridge the spatial resolution gap between nano- and micro-probes. CDI is a coherent diffractive imaging beamline with a high degree of specialization for Bragg CDI, and SXN is a soft x-ray nanoprobe with spectromicroscopy and ptychography imaging. Members of the Imaging and Microscopy Program share common tools and resources and engage in strong inter-beamline collaboration.
Position Description
The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is seeking a beamline scientist to join the Imaging and Microscopy Program. The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of sub-micron x-ray imaging techniques. Stationed at the Submicron Resolution X-ray spectroscopy (SRX) beamline, the candidate will leverage its sub-micron spatial resolution and multimodal capabilities to conduct cutting-edge research.
The SRX beamline is a hard X-ray fluorescence nanoprobe with significant spectroscopy capabilities that delivers a sub-micron focused beam over a wide range of complex samples. The diverse user community studies samples ranging from energy and materials science to biology and Earth and environmental sciences. Using the SRX beamline, researchers hope to better understand their systems using the high-resolution, high-flux fluorescence nanoprobe to mainly collect 2D elemental maps and point spectroscopy. The beamline is not limited to these techniques and more advanced users utilize 2D XANES imaging and 3D X-ray fluorescence tomography. Recently, nano-XRD capability with reciprocal space mapping (by scanning angles or beam energy) has been commissioned and is being offered to general users.
The candidate will support users at the SRX beamline, providing an opportunity to actively engage with the user community, identify their needs and collaborate to the needed capabilities into the beamline. A candidate is expected to be well-versed with multimodal scanning-probe imaging techniques and able to develop the SRX beamline, attracting high-impact experiments from the user community. The candidate is expected to extend the current XRD capabilities and establish a strong user program; as well as strengthening in-situ and operando investigations at SRX. The candidate will develop data processing workflows and establish productive imaging techniques and measurement workflows. The candidate will collaborate with beamline staff, engineering group, and controls group to implement these improvements. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a high-impact science program that leverages the unique experiment capabilities of the SRX beamline. Collaboration with members of the Imaging and Microscopy Program to promote the scientific synergy across beamlines is also encouraged.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform user support at the SRX beamline, exploring opportunities for high-impact, collaborative research with the users
  • Lead technical developments for SRX experiment capabilities and lead commissioning of new instruments or methods
  • Develop and optimize workflows from measurements to analysis, enhancing productivity, reliability, and efficiency for general user research
  • Interact with the other NSLS-II staff to perform commissioning, maintenance, and upgrading the SRX capabilities
  • Publish work in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific meetings
  • Explore opportunities for high-impact research using the capabilities within the imaging and microscopy program and the NSLS-II

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Research experience with a PhD degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a relevant field
  • At least two (2) years of "hands-on" experience with x-ray imaging, x-ray microscopy, or with relevant synchrotron techniques
  • Demonstrated expertise in experimental data analysis through publications or developed analysis workflow
  • Excellent publication record in the relevant areas
  • Ability to interact effectively in a team environment with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technical staff, and users

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Extensive research experience and significant knowledge of x-ray microscopy and relevant instrumentation, including in situ sample environments
  • Significant experience in x-ray micro-diffraction through publications or developed software
  • Extensive experience with XANES spectroscopy
  • Experience with user support at a synchrotron facility
  • Demonstrated proficiency in scientific programming (preferably Python)

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $122,600.00 - $160,000.00 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program
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As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM- Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)), and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program- Physical Protection Program.
About Us
Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation's future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
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Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor
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