Postdoc: Life-Cycle Analysis for Battery Materials

argonne; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance life-cycle analysis and industrial process modeling for critical minerals and materials, with a focus on lithium, battery materials, and recycling. The role develops parameterized models, compiles inventories, and applies data to Argonne’s GREET framework.

You will collaborate across government, industry, and academia, translating complex processes into energy and material balances while shaping research on energy

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed Ph.D. in chemical engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, or related fields.
• Knowledge of Python, JavaScript, Microsoft Excel and other computer programming skills.
• Knowledge of process modeling and life cycle analysis.
• Knowledge of production processes for critical materials and minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, magnesium, nickel, platinum, zinc, etc.
• Experience developing, manipulating, and analyzing large data sets.
• Understanding of energy technologies and their supply chains.
• Experience working with Argonne’s R&D GREET model and BatPaC battery cost model.
• Knowledge of Aspen Plus or other chemical engineering models.
• Ability to work well within a team of experts in various areas of expertise.
• Skilled in oral and written communications with peers, colleagues, and collaborators.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• This position requires an on-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply transparent, parameterized models of mineral extraction, concentration, refining, chemical conversion, battery-material production, and recycling.
• Compile life-cycle inventories from literature, reports, patents, and data sources; translate processes into material and energy balances.
• Implement data and models in Argonne’s GREET model and related tools; evaluate production pathways and battery recycling.
• Apply sensitivity, uncertainty, and scenario analyses to identify key drivers in supply chains and production pathways.
• Analyze and manage technical datasets; prepare technical reports, publications, and conference materials.
• Provide analytical support for assessments of materials, batteries, vehicles, fuels, electricity, infrastructure, and energy systems.

Skills

Python

JavaScript

Microsoft Excel

Life-cycle analysis

Process modeling

Data analysis

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in chemical engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, or related fields

Tools

GREET model

BatPaC battery cost model

Aspen Plus

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance life-cycle analysis and industrial process modeling for critical minerals and materials, with a focus on lithium, battery materials, and recycling. The role develops parameterized models, compiles inventories, and applies data to Argonne’s GREET framework.

You will collaborate across government, industry, and academia, translating complex processes into energy and material balances while shaping research on energy