Postdoctoral Appointee - MSD Experimental X-Ray & Materials Science

The Materials Science Division (MSD) of Argonne National Laboratory is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral appointee in experimental x-ray and materials science. Although exceptional candidates in these fields will be considered, particular emphasis will be placed on crystal growth of wide bandgap materials by chemical vapor deposition and in-situ x-ray measurements at synchrotron sources.

This postdoctoral position in the Coherent and Ultrafast X-ray Scattering group in MSD (led by Stephan Hruszkewycz) is supported by the QNext center, which focuses on how to reliably control, store and transmit quantum information. The scalable design, synthesis, and control of materials capable of hosting quantum states, such as silicon carbide and diamond, play an integral role in solid state platforms for quantum information science, but many open questions remain regarding how to control the morphology and crystallinity of these host materials for exemplary performance as hosts for optically addressable spin defect centers. This project aims to explore the use in-situ x-ray diffraction techniques available at the newly upgraded Advanced Photon Source synchrotron at Argonne as a means to gain new insights into such questions, with an emphasis on exploiting x-ray wavefront coherence at short wavelengths. Areas of focus will include quantification of lattice quality and growth dynamics during chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of silicon carbide and diamond, mechanisms of formation of mixed-poltype SiC layers and structures, characterization and manipulation of strain fields in diamond membranes, and control of surface structure under variable chemical conditions. These goals will be achieved by developing and deploying novel in-situ coherent x-ray characterization methods such as x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and nanobeam imaging. 

The successful candidate should be highly motivated for research excellence and have a strong track record in problem solving and scientific publications. The candidate will be expected to conceive of, plan, and implement the scientific research, and to report relevant results in publications and conference presentations. The selected individual will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and gain in-depth knowledge of the research frontiers in the fields of quantum materials. He/she will also have the opportunity to be a part of a world-class scientific team and lead tasks in vigorous research programs. 

Position Requirements

• A PhD in physics, materials science or related field; Must have been received within the last 5 years or upcoming year
• Significant written and oral communication skills are needed, as well as the ability to work in teams. 
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Considerable: Semiconductor chemical vapor deposition research, x-ray diffraction at synchrotron sources, in-situ x-ray measurements, and experience designing and adapting customized instrumentation.

Good: Experience with coherent x-ray methods and surface diffraction, experience writing successful proposals for synchrotron experimental beam time at large scale facilities, x-ray data analysis expertise from single crystal materials. Knowledge of quantum systems based on point defect-based spin color centers in diamond and silicon carbide.

Desirable: Coding skills in python for analysis of scientific data. Familiarity with infrared laser heating systems. Experience writing successful proposals for synchrotron experimental beam time at large scale facilities. Materials characterization with electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical methods.