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Synchrotron Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 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 Beamline Scientist - CNM-APS Hard X-Ray Nanoprobe

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL โ€ข On-site

$94K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for an Assistant Scientist position focused on transformational research enabled by the development and application of advanced synchrotron X-ray microscopy capabilities. This role will take particular advantage of new opportunities created by the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade and the CNM Hard X-ray Nanoprobe Beamline (CNM/APS HXN).
CNM is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility that provides researchers from around the world with state-of-the-art instrumentation, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities in multidisciplinary nanoscience and nanotechnology. Our research environment is designed to support cutting-edge science by both staff and the global user community.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a scientist who is eager to build an innovative research program while also contributing to the scientific and technical leadership of a premier user facility.
The successful candidate will contribute in two areas of equal importance:
1. Develop a leading research program
The candidate will establish and grow a world-class research program that leverages the unique capabilities of the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade and the CNM/APS HXN beamline. Research should align with CNM's strategic scientific directions, particularly in the study of nanoscale interfacial phenomena and dynamic processes in materials and devices.
  • Nanoscale structure-property relationships and dynamic processes in energy materials, quantum materials, microelectronics, and 2D materials
  • Operando and in situ studies of materials evolution under external stimuli
  • Coherent imaging and ptychography of functional nanomaterials
  • AI/ML-enabled autonomous experimentation and advanced data analysis

2. Provide leadership for beamline science and user operations
The candidate will also provide scientific and technical leadership for user experiments and operations at the CNM/APS HXN beamline. This includes working closely with a diverse international user community to support high-impact experiments and to advance the instrumentation, methods, and analysis tools that expand the facility's scientific reach and impact.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and lead an independent, high-impact research program in synchrotron X-ray microscopy and related nanoscale characterization methods
  • Leverage the capabilities of the APS Upgrade and CNM/APS HXN beamline to pursue innovative scientific opportunities
  • Conduct research aligned with CNM strategic priorities in nanoscale materials and device science
  • Support and guide user experiments at the beamline, helping enable successful and cutting-edge research outcomes
  • Advance beamline capabilities through new instrumentation, experimental methods, and analytical approaches
  • Collaborate with staff, users, and external partners across a broad range of disciplines
  • Contribute to the growth and scientific vitality of the CNM user program

Position Requirements
  • A Ph.D. in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or a related physical science discipline
  • A strong background in experimental or analytical synchrotron X-ray research and/or other advanced microscopy techniques relevant to materials research
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications
  • Laser or electrical pump-probe methods
  • Coherent diffraction imaging and phase retrieval
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning for experimentation or data analysis

Application Materials
  • A cover letter describing how their experience and expertise would contribute to success in this role
  • A detailed curriculum vitae, including:
    • a list of publications
    • the names and addresses of three professional references
  • A 2-page statement of proposed research
  • A 1-page statement outlining an approach to engaging and growing the scientific user program

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.