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Synchrotron Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$80 - $120/hr

PETRA IV, the most brilliant synchrotron radiation source of the next generation, will be the ultimate 4D X-ray microscope, setting new standards in precision and performance. About your role * FPGA ...

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How much do synchrotron jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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 is a synchrotron?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a synchrotron scientist?

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 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
Infographic showing various Synchrotron job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Assistant Scientist - AI for Autonomous Synthesis and Multimodal Characterization

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) and the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory invite applications for a joint Assistant Scientist position focused on developing and applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods for the autonomous, self-driving synthesis of nanoscale and quantum materials.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new generation of closed-loop, AI-enabled experimental workflows that tightly integrate synthesis within situ and operando x-ray, electron, and optical characterization. The successful candidate will help bridge CNM's world-class capabilities in nanofabrication and chemical synthesis with APS's leading synchrotron measurement tools, enabling adaptive and autonomous exploration of complex materials design spaces.
In this role, you will lead a research program centered on AI-driven autonomous synthesis, including:
  • Active learning and Bayesian optimization over synthesis parameters such as precursors, temperature, sequences, and pressure
  • Generative and inverse-design models for materials discovery
  • Closed-loop feedback frameworks that use in situ/operando scattering, spectroscopy, and imaging to guide synthesis in real time
  • AI-enabled analysis of high-throughput, multimodal experimental data with uncertainty quantification
  • Integration of edge computing, high-performance computing (HPC), and scientific data infrastructure to support scalable, user-facing autonomous workflows across CNM synthesis platforms and APS beamlines

This position is a joint appointment between the Theory and Modeling Group at CNM and the Computational Science and AI Group (CAI) at APS. The successful candidate will have access to Argonne's exceptional ecosystem of facilities and expertise, including the upgraded APS, CNM's advanced synthesis and characterization capabilities, and leadership-class computing resources at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop a research program in AI-enabled autonomous materials synthesis
  • Design and implement closed-loop experimental workflows that integrate synthesis, characterization, and decision-making
  • Develop and apply AI/ML methods for active learning, optimization, inverse design, and experiment planning
  • Build analysis tools for multimodal, high-throughput experimental data, including real-time or near-real-time processing
  • Collaborate closely with scientists across materials synthesis, characterization, beamline science, theory, and computing
  • Contribute to the development of scalable computational and data workflows spanning edge, beamline, and HPC environments
  • Publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific meetings, and help shape future directions in autonomous materials research

Position Requirements
  • Ph.D. in physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, computational materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with 3-6 years of postdoctoral research experience
  • A strong understanding of nanomaterials synthesis and/or in situ/operando x-ray characterization (including scattering, spectroscopy, or imaging), with demonstrated experience connecting the two
  • Proven experience developing and applying AI/ML methods to autonomous experimentation, closed-loop optimization, active learning, or inverse design
  • A strong publication record demonstrating innovation in AI/ML for materials synthesis, synchrotron experiments, or a closely related area
  • Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX
  • Experience with optimization and active-learning libraries such as BoTorch, GPyTorch, or scikit-learn
  • Strong programming skills, especially in Python, including integration with experimental control systems or lab-automation frameworks
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experimental control and orchestration frameworks such as ROS, Bluesky, or EPICS
  • Laboratory automation and robotic synthesis platforms
  • Generative models, reinforcement learning, or agentic AI approaches for materials discovery and experiment planning
  • Multimodal data fusion and real-time data reduction for synchrotron or nanoscale experiments
  • High-performance computing (HPC), edge-to-HPC workflows, and scientific data infrastructure
  • Digital twins, physics-informed machine learning, or simulation-augmented experiment design
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Application Materials
Please upload the following as part of your application:
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Cover Letter

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.