Postdoctoral Appointee – Materials Design and Synchrotron Characterization for Freeze-Induced Ion Separation

We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable postdoctoral researcher to join the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project FREEZE (Fundamental Research on Energy-Efficient Zonal Extraction), jointly led by the Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) and Applied Materials (AMD) Divisions at Argonne National Laboratory.

This project focuses on understanding the evolution of structure and chemistry at charged solid–liquid interfaces during liquid–solid phase transformations under controlled temperature gradients. The successful candidate will be a creative experimentalist who can design and build custom, non-commercial apparatus compatible with synchrotron scattering and imaging techniques at the Advanced Photon Source.

Candidates with prior experience in developing operando electrochemical cells and/or temperature-controlled experimental platforms are strongly preferred. The appointee will also support related efforts in materials synthesis (e.g., atomic layer deposition) and materials characterization (e.g., atomic force microscopy). Key responsibilities include designing and executing experiments, analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, and disseminating results through presentations at scientific conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Beyond the primary research scope, the appointee will have opportunities to contribute to related projects in geochemistry, materials synthesis, and separation processes.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically within the last 0–5 years) in chemistry, geochemistry, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, or a related discipline
• Background and/or interest in one or more of the following areas: critical elements and materials, electrical double layer theory and applications, solid–liquid phase transitions and energetics, mineral processing, and separations
• Significant experience in the development of operando experimental apparatus
• Experience with synchrotron-based characterization techniques and analysis of large, multimodal datasets
• Experience in materials synthesis and materials characterization
• Strong foundation in general analytical methods and laboratory practices
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated creativity and a proactive approach to scientific problem solving
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Flexibility to engage across multiple projects, research topics, and applications
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
• Ability to maintain a full-time, on-site presence at Argonne National Laboratory’s Lemont, Illinois campus (five days per week)
  
  

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $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.

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