Postdoctoral Position in Chemical Engineering (Argonne National Laboratory)

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 geared towards applications including advanced nuclear systems, electrometallurgy, chemical production, and national security. Under the guidance of a supervisor, the postdoctoral appointee will develop a fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms in molten salts and apply insights to process development and scale-up. Project activities will include: Design and development of online monitoring tools (e.g., electrochemical and optical sensors) for molten salts. Development of innovative processes and technologies for recycling actinides to support sustainable fuel cycles. Application of chemical and electrochemical principles to control and improve product morphology, product quality, and process efficiency at engineering scales. Primary Responsibilities With guidance, the 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 the 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 regular channels. Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance the application of molten salts to chemical and electrochemical processes. Position Requirements This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field at the PhD degree level with zero to three years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience. To perform the essential functions of this position, successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract. Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire identified data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results. Knowledge of the 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 the use 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. Job Details Job Family: Postdoctoral Job Profile: Postdoctoral Appointee Worker Type: Long-Term (Fixed Term) Time Type: Full time Expected Hiring Range: $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. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Additional Information 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 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. Why Join Argonne? Interested in translating science into innovation? Build your career at Argonne. At Argonne, we view the world from a different perspective. Our scientists and engineers conduct world-class research in clean energy, the environment, technology, national security and more. We’re finding creative ways to prepare the world for a better future. To learn more about Argonne's benefits programs, amenities, and other employee programs, visit our main Careers site. To learn more about the exciting science going on at Argonne, visit our Science and Technology page. Contact Information To request a reasonable accommodation or for other application support, contact us anytime at careers@anl.gov or 630-252-2336. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

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 geared towards applications including advanced nuclear systems, electrometallurgy, chemical production, and national security.

Under the guidance of a supervisor, the postdoctoral appointee will develop a fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms in molten salts and apply insights to process development and scale-up. Project activities will include:

Design and development of online monitoring tools (e.g., electrochemical and optical sensors) for molten salts.
Development of innovative processes and technologies for recycling actinides to support sustainable fuel cycles.
Application of chemical and electrochemical principles to control and improve product morphology, product quality, and process efficiency at engineering scales.

Primary Responsibilities

With guidance, the 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 the 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 regular channels.
Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance the application of molten salts to chemical and electrochemical processes.

Position Requirements

This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field at the PhD degree level with zero to three years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience.
To perform the essential functions of this position, successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire identified data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
Knowledge of the 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 the use 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.

Job Details

Job Family: Postdoctoral
Job Profile: Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type: Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type: Full time
Expected Hiring Range: $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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Additional Information

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 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.

Why Join Argonne?

Interested in translating science into innovation? Build your career at Argonne. At Argonne, we view the world from a different perspective. Our scientists and engineers conduct world-class research in clean energy, the environment, technology, national security and more. We’re finding creative ways to prepare the world for a better future.

To learn more about Argonne's benefits programs, amenities, and other employee programs, visit our main Careers site.
To learn more about the exciting science going on at Argonne, visit our Science and Technology page.