Postdoctoral Position in Chemical Engineering

Argonne National Laboratory

Organization: Argonne National Laboratory
Division: Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies
Job Family: Postdoctoral
Worker Type: Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type: Full-Time
Expected Hiring Range: $70,758 – $117,925

Position Overview

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division at Argonne is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team developing molten salt-based chemical and electrochemical processes for applications including advanced nuclear systems, electrometallurgy, chemical production, and national security.

Under the guidance of a supervisor, the postdoctoral appointee will:

  • Develop fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms in molten salts and apply insights to process development and scale-up.

  • Design and develop online monitoring tools (e.g., electrochemical and optical sensors) for molten salts.

  • Develop innovative processes and technologies for recycling actinides to support sustainable fuel cycles.

  • Apply chemical and electrochemical principles to control and improve product morphology, quality, and process efficiency at engineering scales.

Key Responsibilities

With guidance, the postdoctoral appointee will:

  • Develop novel process monitoring and control technologies applicable to molten salt and liquid metal systems.

  • Develop and test new materials and cell configurations for production of salt and metal products.

  • Perform experiments with electroanalytical and optical measurements to advance the technical understanding and application of molten salt chemistry.

  • Perform experiments to understand and quantify reaction pathways and kinetics for molten salt systems.

  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and other channels.

  • Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance the application of molten salts to chemical and electrochemical processes.

Position Requirements

  • PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.

  • Zero to three years of experience in scientific application of knowledge and practical laboratory experience.

  • U.S. citizenship is required to comply with federal regulations and contracts.

  • Skill in devising and performing experiments, using and maintaining research equipment, and compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.

  • Knowledge of principles and technologies associated with chemical and material processing.

  • Experience working safely with hazardous materials using engineering controls such as gloveboxes is desired.

  • Knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems to analyze and interpret experimental data.

  • Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

  • Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Compensation & Benefits

  • The expected hiring range is $70,758 – $117,925.

  • Actual pay will be based on the scope of responsibilities, qualifications, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay.

  • Comprehensive benefits are included as part of the total rewards package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Argonne National Laboratory is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to any protected characteristic by law.

Compliance & Security

  • Employees and certain guest researchers/contractors are subject to restrictions related to Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities.

  • All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check, including criminal conviction history.

  • Positions may require obtaining and maintaining government access authorization, which involves additional background checks.

How to Apply / Additional Information

  • Interested applicants can request reasonable accommodations or application support by contacting careers@anl.gov or 630-252-2336.

Argonne encourages candidates to translate science into innovation and contribute to world-class research in clean energy, environment, technology, and national security.

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