Physicist – Control Systems & Magnetic Devices

The Magnetic Devices Group (MDG) within the Accelerator Systems Division (ASD) of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) seeks a Physicist focusing on developing advanced control systems and providing operational support for critical magnetic device infrastructure at a world-class user facility.

The successful candidate will lead efforts to modernize and maintain control systems for over 60 insertion devices (IDs) in the APS storage ring, oversee controls for three magnetic measurement laboratories, and help design ID control architectures for next-generation light sources. This position requires strong technical judgment, scientific leadership, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance, maintainable instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Control System Development & Support: Lead the enhancement, modernization, and troubleshooting of control systems for 60+ insertion devices and associated infrastructure, primarily using the EPICS framework.

• Operations & AI/ML Integration: Ensure reliable, efficient storage ring operations. Leverage emerging AI/ML technologies to improve diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency.

• Laboratory Management: Oversee and support the control systems of three dedicated magnetic measurement laboratories to ensure accuracy and operational readiness.

• R&D and Leadership: Design advanced instrumentation solutions for next-generation light sources. Define system architectures, establish priorities, and coordinate project execution from concept to commissioning.

• Collaboration & Community Engagement: Partner with scientists, engineers, and technical staff across project phases. Establish productive collaborations with other national laboratories, universities, industry partners, and international research institutions.

• Scientific Contributions & Mentoring: Advance accelerator and magnetic device technologies through original research, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations. Mentor junior staff, postdocs, and students.

• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Accelerator Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a closely related field and 4+ years’ experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency with EPICS. Experience with C/C++, Python, Linux, and PLC-based systems is highly desirable.

• Proven track record in the design, deployment, and commissioning of control systems within large-scale scientific or industrial research environments.

• Demonstrated ability to take full lifecycle ownership of complex systems and lead technical projects independently across multiple stakeholders.

• Evidence of scientific achievement via peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, or conference contributions.

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills; excellent communication and teamwork capabilities for working in multidisciplinary environments.

• 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience with control systems for accelerators, beamlines, insertion devices, or large-scale user facilities.

• Practical application of AI/ML techniques to controls, diagnostics, or operational optimization.

• Familiarity with distributed control architectures, industrial networking, motion control, and high-availability environments.

• Experience supervising or mentoring scientific, engineering, or technical personnel.

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Physics 3

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 - $181,350.00.

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.

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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.