Argonne National Laboratory · 1 day ago
Postdoctoral Appointee - Synchrotron Studies of Crystal Defects for AI Modeling
Lemont, IL
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$71K/yr - $118K/yrArgonne National Laboratory is seeking two Postdoctoral Appointees focused on multimodal synchrotron characterization of defects and interfaces in oxides and 2D materials. The successful candidates will lead experimental campaigns using advanced synchrotron X-ray techniques to generate quantitative, AI-ready datasets that reveal defect-mediated mechanisms governing the stability, adhesion, and transport behavior of thin films and heterointerfaces.
EnergySecuritySocial Impact
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design and perform advanced synchrotron experiments to probe structural, chemical, and dynamic evolution of defects in thin films and heterostructures
Utilize techniques such as Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI), Laue microdiffraction, ptychographic laminography, and X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) to study strain, dislocation networks, voids, and interfacial morphology
Develop in-situ and operando experiments under electrical, thermal, or mechanical bias to capture real-time defect dynamics
Integrate multimodal datasets and collaborate with AI/ML teams for data fusion, physics-informed model validation, and causal discovery of defect–property relationships
Publish high-impact research results and present findings at national and international conferences
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. completed in the past five years or soon-to-be completed in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or a related discipline
Demonstrated expertise in one or more synchrotron X-ray methods such as BCDI, XPCS, ptychography, Laue microdiffraction, or related coherent/imaging techniques
Proven ability to design, conduct, and analyze complex synchrotron experiments
Proficiency in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.) and quantitative data analysis
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multi-institutional team 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
Experience with in-situ or operando measurements under electrical or thermal bias
Familiarity with multimodal data correlation or integration with microscopy/spectroscopy datasets
Awareness of AI/ML data structures and metadata practices for interoperable experimental data
Strong background in materials physics, thin films, or functional oxides/2D materials
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits
Company
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne National Laboratory conducts researches in basic science, energy resources, and environmental management.
Founded in 1946
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$41.4MKey Investors
Advanced Research Projects Agency for HealthUS Department of EnergyU.S. Department of Homeland Security
2024-11-14Grant· $21.7M
2023-09-27Grant
2023-01-17Grant
Leadership Team
Raeanna Sharp- Geiger
COO
Paul Kearns
Laboratory Director
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