X-Ray Beamline Scientist

Available Title(s):

305-NN_FACULTY - Research Associate

Business Title:

X-Ray Beamline Scientist

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a strongly self-motivated, talented experimentalist to support research activities, working with scientists and engineers at a first-of-a-kind experimental user facility: The Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL).

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in Condensed Matter Physics and enjoy hands-on work and problem solving in a fast-paced, research environment.

Representative Responsibilities

• Support and maintain the DCS x-ray beamline components including vacuum systems, large Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) focusing mirror systems, and x-ray beam choppers and shutters.

• Design and implement experimental components and custom control systems used on the x-ray beamline and in the experimental end stations with a focus on developing efficient automation and data acquisition/analysis software.

• Initiate and participate in research activities including new types of x-ray measurements and analyses to advance the DCS scientific objectives.

• Interacting with users to conduct time-resolved dynamic compression experiments using x-ray techniques, such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), phase-contrast Imaging (PCI), and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS/WAX). This includes setting up and characterizing the x-ray beam for users.

• Contribute effectively to all aspects of the research projects including assistance to DCS users; maintenance of the experimental facilities; ordering experimental components, equipment, and supplies; and working effectively in a team setting.

• Independently define and complete experimental projects and tasks.

Required Qualifications
Strong hands-on experimental background and skills relevant to the position responsibilities are essential. The required professional qualifications and personal attributes are:

• A Ph.D. degree in Physics or a related field with a strong experimental background in condensed matter physics.

• Strong hands-on ability with design and fabrication of instruments and experimental components.

• Considerable skill and knowledge of hardware and software required for photonics-based (x-ray and optical) experiments

• Experience with one or more x-ray measurement techniques such as diffraction, spectroscopy, or imaging.

• Advanced computational skills, including computer programming for instrument control and analysis, such as LabView, EPICS, Python, and/or MATLAB.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, necessary to interact with team members and users to effectively present research objectives and documentation.

• Personal attributes should include critical thinking, good judgment, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team, positive attitude, and accountability.

• Must be able to obtain a badge at U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories to gain access to restricted areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience at a synchrotron.

• Experience working with ultra-high vacuum systems and optical components.

• Experience in working with custom control systems including FPGAs.

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences
Department Name: Institute for Shock Physics / Dynamic Compression Sector
City, State, Zip: Lemont, IL 60439
Department Link: Dynamic Compression Sector Webpage
Annual Salary: $85,000 - $110,000 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review the summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation
Overtime Eligibility: This position is not eligible for overtime.
FTE: 100%

Tenure Track: No. This is a temporary position in which the appointment is made on an annual basis. Subsequent renewals are subject to performance appraisal, mutual consent, and available funding. Long-term, multi-year research funding is expected.

Posting Close Date: Applicants must submit their completed application by Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need.  A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Documents may be submitted in one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible. Applicants will be requested to provide contact information for professional references within the online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

• External candidates , please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application.

• Internal candidates , please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Required Documents:

- Cover letter to the attention of Dr. Paulo Rigg explicitly addressing the required qualifications for this position and date of availability.

- Detailed curriculum vitae

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .