Assistant Materials Scientist — Operando Battery Characterization

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 94,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL, invites applications for a researcher in energy-storage science. The role focuses on high-energy X-ray diffraction and operando characterization of battery materials during synthesis and operation.

You will develop high-throughput hardware and software tools for real-time characterization, contribute to in-house techniques like electron microscopy and tomography, and collaborate across institutions to advance next-generation energy-storage technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or related field.
• Strong knowledge of energy-storage systems and battery materials.
• Experience with in situ and operando characterization, including synthesis and preparation.
• Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing, robotics, and programming for data analysis and control.
• Excellent written and oral communication; publications and presentations expected.
• Experience with synchrotron X-ray methods preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments for energy-storage research.
• Develop sample environments and experimental workflows.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets from experiments.
• Communicate results through conferences and publications.

Skills

Energy-storage systems knowledge

In situ operando characterization

CAD software

3D printing

Robotics

Programming for data analysis

Excellent communication (writing/pres)

Synchrotron X-ray methods

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

CAD software

3D printing

Robotics

Programming for data analysis

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative researcher to support innovative energy-storage research at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and within Argonne’s Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division. The successful candidate will apply high-energy X-ray diffraction and related characterization methods to investigate battery materials and systems during synthesis and operation.

This role offers the opportunity to develop and deploy high-throughput hardware and software tools for real-time, operando characterization under thermal and electrochemical conditions. In addition to synchrotron-based experiments, the candidate may contribute to complementary in-house characterization efforts using techniques such as electron microscopy, computed tomography, and acoustic methods.

Key responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments; developing sample environments and experimental workflows; analyzing and interpreting large experimental datasets; and communicating research findings through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team advancing next-generation energy-storage technologies.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or a related field (postdoctoral research experience will be beneficial)
• Strong knowledge of energy-storage systems and battery materials
• Experience with in situ and operando characterization studies, including sample synthesis and preparation
• Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing, robotics, and programming for data analysis and experimental control
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through publications, presentations, and/or professional recognition
• Experience with synchrotron X-ray methods for probing material structure and reactivity is preferred
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional research environment
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Detailed curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
• A statement on proposed research (2-page max) and 1-page statement regarding an approach to engage and grow the scientific user program
• Names and contact information for three professional references

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

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.

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.

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 be 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.