Physicist – Control Systems & Magnetic Devices

Argonne National Laboratory’s Magnetic Devices Group (MDG) within the Accelerator Systems Division (ASD) of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) seeks a Physicist to develop advanced control systems and provide operational support for critical magnetic-device infrastructure at a world-class user facility.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the enhancement, modernization, and troubleshooting of control systems for 60+ insertion devices and associated infrastructure, primarily using the EPICS framework.
• Ensure reliable, efficient storage-ring operations; leverage emerging AI/ML technologies to improve diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee and support the control systems of three dedicated magnetic measurement laboratories to ensure accuracy and operational readiness.
• Design advanced instrumentation solutions for next-generation light sources; define system architectures, establish priorities, and coordinate project execution from concept to commissioning.
• Partner with scientists, engineers, and technical staff across all project phases; establish productive collaborations with other national laboratories, universities, industry partners, and international research institutions.
• Advance accelerator and magnetic-device technologies through original research, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations; mentor junior staff, postdocs, and students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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 Skills

• 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.

Pay

The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 – $181,350.00. Pay offered will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate qualifications, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. View Argonne employee benefits.