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We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Researcher to join the X-ray Science Division (XSD) at Argonne National Laboratory. The successful candidate will develop web-based AI agents for X-ray spectroscopy by integrating large language models (LLMs) with physics-aware spectroscopy workflows. The researcher will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of X-ray physicists and computational scientists to advance a next-generation, user-friendly, agentic AI platform for automated data analysis, interpretation, and user interactions. The appointment is expected to last two years and the contract is extended on a yearly basis.

Application Materials - Please submit:

+ CV and cover letter

+ Name your documents using the following formats, e.g., “Firstname_Lastname_CV”, “Firstname_Lastname_cover_letter”.

+ Include links to code examples in your CV (e.g., GitHub page, past project repositories).

Position Requirements

+ A recent PhD (completed within 5 years, or soon to be completed) in computer science, engineering, computational science, a physical science (materials science, chemistry, physics etc.), or related field.

+ Hands-on experience with AI frameworks and employing large language models.

+ Strong Python skills and familiarity with LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI API), agent frameworks (e.g. LangChain), PyTorch, and the Python scientific stack (e.g., numpy, pandas, scikit-learn).

+ Experience with front-end development and web-based applications, back-end services and API design (e.g., FastAPI, Flask), and deploying applications in local or cloud environments.

+ Experience working with large-scale datasets.

+ Willingness to learn basic domain-specific X-ray science and basic materials knowledge, and a strong passion for applying agentic AI to scientific discovery.

+ Effective written and oral communications skills.

+ Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

+ Commitment to Argonne’s Core Values: 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

+ Experience in the following areas is preferred and will help the candidate succeed: X-ray absorption spectroscopy theory and modelling, and handling large synchrotron/X-ray datasets.

+ Experience with vector databases (e.g. Pinecone) for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).

+ Experience with prompt engineering and chain-of-thought techniques.

+ Experience with multimodal AI and/or foundation models.

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 $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

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 (https://www.anl.gov/hr/healthcare-insurance) 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._