Postdoctoral Appointee - Developing MEMS Based Ultrafast X-ray Optics - Argonne National Laboratory
Lemont, IL
About the Job
A postdoc position is immediately available at the Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Laboratory. The postdoctoral appointee will develop ultrafast microscale photonics and MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices for X-ray optics at synchrotron radiation sources. Some background of the project is given in the publications listed below. The idea is to make highly nonlinear MEMS-based oscillators driven by the storage-ring RF signals to fulfill the function of manipulating X-ray pulses. More specific responsibilities include MEMS design and simulation, testing and characterization of the devices, and designing and executing time-resolved X-ray experiments with MEMS-based X-ray optics.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates to drive the project in an independent manner while interacting closely with senior members of the research group. The term of the positions is typically two years, with the possibility to renew for the 3rd year, contingent on the project process and availability of funds.
Relevant Publications:
1. P. Chen _et al_ ., Ultrafast photonic micro-systems to manipulate hard X-rays at 300 picoseconds, Nat Commun, 10:1158 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09077-1 .
2. P. Chen _et al_ ., Optics-on-a-chip for ultrafast manipulation of 350-MHz hard X-ray pulses, Optics Express, 29, 13624 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.411023 (Featured in a weekly News Release by the publisher: Tiny Chip-Based Device Performs Ultrafast Modulation of X-Rays.)
3. J. Zhou _et al_ ., Picosecond Synchrotron Pulse Shaper on-Chip, arXiv:2211.03567 , http//arxiv.org/abs/2211.03567. (Revised manuscript to be submitted).
Position Requirements
+ This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field at the PhD level with zero to five years of employment experience.
+ Expertise in testing, characterizing, and measuring MEMS devices and designing feedback loops and control algorithms for the precise operation of MEMS devices.
+ Understanding the properties of materials used in MEMS and their compatibility with X-ray optics applications.
+ Knowledge of using software tools to simulate the physical properties and behaviors of MEMS structures.
+ Hands-on experience working with signal processing and RF testing instruments.
+ Strong communication skills for working in a multidisciplinary team environment.
+ Ability to synthesize research findings into work products such as articles for publication in scientific journals, technical reports, presentations at professional conferences, etc.
+ Strong self-motivation and interest in researching relevant topics.
+ Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
+ Ability to understand, value, and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
+ Experience in X-ray scattering is desirable but not required.
Job Family
Postdoctoral Family
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
_As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other 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._
We are seeking highly motivated candidates to drive the project in an independent manner while interacting closely with senior members of the research group. The term of the positions is typically two years, with the possibility to renew for the 3rd year, contingent on the project process and availability of funds.
Relevant Publications:
1. P. Chen _et al_ ., Ultrafast photonic micro-systems to manipulate hard X-rays at 300 picoseconds, Nat Commun, 10:1158 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09077-1 .
2. P. Chen _et al_ ., Optics-on-a-chip for ultrafast manipulation of 350-MHz hard X-ray pulses, Optics Express, 29, 13624 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.411023 (Featured in a weekly News Release by the publisher: Tiny Chip-Based Device Performs Ultrafast Modulation of X-Rays.)
3. J. Zhou _et al_ ., Picosecond Synchrotron Pulse Shaper on-Chip, arXiv:2211.03567 , http//arxiv.org/abs/2211.03567. (Revised manuscript to be submitted).
Position Requirements
+ This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field at the PhD level with zero to five years of employment experience.
+ Expertise in testing, characterizing, and measuring MEMS devices and designing feedback loops and control algorithms for the precise operation of MEMS devices.
+ Understanding the properties of materials used in MEMS and their compatibility with X-ray optics applications.
+ Knowledge of using software tools to simulate the physical properties and behaviors of MEMS structures.
+ Hands-on experience working with signal processing and RF testing instruments.
+ Strong communication skills for working in a multidisciplinary team environment.
+ Ability to synthesize research findings into work products such as articles for publication in scientific journals, technical reports, presentations at professional conferences, etc.
+ Strong self-motivation and interest in researching relevant topics.
+ Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
+ Ability to understand, value, and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
+ Experience in X-ray scattering is desirable but not required.
Job Family
Postdoctoral Family
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
_As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other 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._
Source : Argonne National Laboratory