Postdoc: Molten-Salt Electrochemistry for Nuclear Materials

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 72,879 - 121,465; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is recruiting a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance molten salt electrochemistry for recycling nuclear fuel. You will develop separations chemistries to recover actinide materials from complex feeds and test electrochemical processes at engineering scale.

The role emphasizes experimental development, materials testing, and communication with a multidisciplinary team to push innovative concepts toward practical solutions.

Qualifications

• Proof of U.S. citizenship is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
• Recent (within the last five years) or soon-to-be completed Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
• Knowledge and experience in electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering, or materials science and the ability to apply research principles to new systems.
• Knowledge and experience with analytical techniques such as XRD and SEM.
• Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify technical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement practical strategies.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience with molten salt systems, actinide chemistry, or materials science is desired, but not mandatory.
• Experience working safely with hazardous materials in engineering controls such as gloveboxes or hoods is desired, but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Apply electrochemical engineering principles to develop processes such as oxide reduction and electrorefining at engineering-scale.
• Develop and test new materials and electrochemical reactions.
• Perform innovative experiments and electroanalytical measurements (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarization tests, etc.) to advance the technical understanding of molten salt chemistry.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.
• Develop innovative research ideas and proposals to advance the field of molten salt electrochemistry.

Skills

electrochemistry

electrochemical engineering

experimental design

data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or related field

Tools

XRD

SEM

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory is recruiting a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance molten salt electrochemistry for recycling nuclear fuel. You will develop separations chemistries to recover actinide materials from complex feeds and test electrochemical processes at engineering scale.

The role emphasizes experimental development, materials testing, and communication with a multidisciplinary team to push innovative concepts toward practical solutions.