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X Ray Diffraction Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Scientist

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$36.41 - $45.51/hr

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS), Particle size analysis, X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD). * Interpret data and communicate ...

Showing results 21-31

X Ray Diffraction information

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$11

$28

$50

How much do x ray diffraction jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for x ray diffraction in Illinois is $28.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.98 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common daily responsibilities for someone working in an x ray diffraction position?

X Ray Diffraction professionals typically spend their days preparing samples, operating XRD instruments, and analyzing collected data to determine the crystalline structures of materials. They may also be responsible for maintaining equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, and preparing detailed reports on their findings. Collaboration with researchers, engineers, or product development teams is often required to ensure precise characterization aligns with project goals. The role may involve a mix of hands-on lab work and desk-based data analysis, providing a dynamic and engaging work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the x ray diffraction position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an X Ray Diffraction role, you need a solid background in materials science, physics, or chemistry, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with XRD instrumentation, data analysis software (like Jade or PANalytical), and safety protocols is essential, and formal training or certification is often beneficial. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies empower professionals to produce accurate data, interpret results, and collaborate efficiently with research teams in both industrial and academic settings.

What is an x ray diffraction?

An X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) job typically involves analyzing materials using X-ray diffraction techniques to determine their crystallographic structure, phase composition, and other properties. Professionals in this role operate XRD instruments, prepare samples, interpret diffraction patterns, and generate reports. These jobs are common in research labs, materials science, geology, pharmaceuticals, and quality control for industries that work with crystalline materials. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of X-ray physics, crystallography, and data analysis software are often required.

Infographic showing various X Ray Diffraction job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,985 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Characterizing high pressure melts using coherence and nano-beams at HPCAT

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The overarching focus of the postdoc position and effort is on advancing the understanding of materials at high pressure-temperature conditions, and in particularly across the solid-melt transition and melt-liquid structure.
With the recent APS-Upgrade project completed and new high coherence and brightness x-ray beam, HPCAT has concurrently made over $20M HPCAT investments in upgrading key infrastructure to advance x-ray platforms for studying matter under extreme conditions. The selected postdoc will have ample opportunities for career growth and cutting-edge scientific research with new platforms at HPCAT and across various featured beamlines of APS, as well as playing a critical role in growth of HPCAT long term.
The selected postdoc will be responsible for continuing to push the boundaries of high pressure-temperature measurements with advanced x-ray platforms. This includes working in optimizing applicaton of APS-Upgraded high brightness and high coherence beam across APS and at HPCAT and implementing BCDI, XPCS, nano-beam and time resolved microscopy, PDF, 3D imaging techniques, PCI, and other techniques for advanced characterization of materials across solid-liquid and into melt.
Measurements will be performed on various transition metals, but it is expected that the Postdoc would also drive scientific efforts and expand the capability to other materials, such as high entropy alloys, advanced manufactured materials, superconductors, and other materials proposed by the candidate.
Likewise, the Postdoc is expected to continue driving scientific advancements and contribute to long term vision of HPCAT. Working with staff and extensive partner members (including LANL, LLNL, SNL, and numerous national and international academic and other institutions) The Postdoc will have long term career growth and future opportunities at HPCAT, APS, and beyond.
Last, it is also expected that the position will continue to grow and/or implement various AI/ML capabilities coupled to advancing the overall research efforts. As such, we encourage applicants to consider how their data processing and software development capability fits into the proposed work and future direction. The Postdocs will be working directly with assigned HPCAT staff mentor and interacting on regular basis with HPCAT principal scientist and management.
This is a two year term position (with expected impactful progress) and may be considered for extension and/or conversion to full time position.
Position Requirements
Candidates with either significant background in high pressure platforms and/or x-ray measurements are encouraged to apply, and candidates from various scientific backgrounds (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience, and Engineering, etc.) will be considered.
  • Recent or soon-to-be completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Geosciences or Engineering.
  • Demonstrated experience with synchrotron x-ray techniques such as Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging (BCDI), X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS), Phase-Contrast Imaging (PCI), nano-beam and time resolved diffraction microscopy.
  • High-pressure background is not mandated for this position, but it is expected that PD would drive scientific efforts to expand the capability to the high-pressure research.
  • Able to implement various AI/ML applications.

**Please include your CV and a summary of relevant experience and proposed scientific ideas within the scope of position posting (3 page max).** Application review will commence on June 08 latest and resume until position is filled.
Inquiries regarding scientific scope of the position can be directed to HPCAT Director Nenad Velisavljevic (HPCAT-Director@anl.gov) and HPCAT Group Leader Maddury Somayazulu (zulu@anl.gov).
Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
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.