Postdoctoral Appointee - Experimental AI

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

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee focused on research projects that develop and implement AI-driven automation for interfacial processes in electrochemistry. The role blends computation with hands-on experiments, building autonomous campaigns and workflows to uncover structure–function relationships from limited data.

The candidate will work with a team of chemists, physicists and materials scientists, learning and adapting workflows for intelligent automation and

Qualifications

• PhD completed in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in fundamental electrochemistry.
• Experience with AI model classifiers and optimization approaches such as Bayesian optimization or genetic search.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI models and autonomous workflows for electrode–electrolyte interfaces.
• Adapt experimental workflows for autonomous control and high-throughput experiments.
• Collaborate across chemists, physicists and materials scientists in a highly interdisciplinary team.

Skills

Electrochemistry

AI/ML modeling

Code development

Optimization methods

Education

PhD in chemistry/related field

Tools

Potentiostat

ICP-MS

LC-MS

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Job description

This position will be dedicated to research projects aiming developing and implementing experimental focused application of AI and automation tools for unraveling fundamental interfacial processes in materials for electrochemistry. While the focus in on computational expertise, this position will involve some experimental work in adapting workflows for automation and artificial intelligence optimization schemes. From developing AI models to uncover structure-function relationships with limited data sets, to building automated electrode-electrolyte interface discovery workflows and implementing full autonomous experimental campaigns, this position is suited for a highly energetic and self-driven researcher willing to work in highly collaborative teams.

This position will involve a considerable amount of computational as well as experimental laboratory work with a variety of electrochemical based methods (galvanostatic/potentiostatic, AC impedance, and hybrid potential/current control methods) coupled to analytical techniques for characterizing electrolytes using UV-VIs absorption spectroscopy, ICP-MS, LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS. This position will include learning experimental workflows and adapting them for autonomous control.

The applicant is expected to think and work independently and conduct research in a highly interdisciplinary environment of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists. The role will require the individual to work with experimentalists focused on developing new materials for electrochemical applications, both from electrode and electrolyte components. Applicants will be working in teams, and they must possess good communication skills and be fluent in both spoken, and written English. Applicants should demonstrate evidence of initiative and problem-solving in research projects.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
• The applicant should have a strong background in fundamental electrochemistry, with preferable hands-on expertise in computational materials science.
• The applicant should be well versed in code development, application of AI model classifiers (PLS-DA, random forest, neural network, etc) towards unraveling materials structure-function relationships, and are familiar with optimization approaches such as genetic search, Bayesian optimization, etc.
• Familiarity with electrochemical instrumentation suite (potentiostat, cyclers, electronic load) and materials characterization is welcomed.

Attachments Required for Application

• CV/Resume with a brief description of research accomplishments, a list of publications, and the names of references
• Cover Letter with a brief description of their interest in this position
• Unofficial Ph.D. Transcripts
• If already awarded, a copy of your Ph.D. diploma. Candidates can be currently enrolled to apply, but must have proof of degree conferral by the position start date.

Three references will be contacted at the point of interview.

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 $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

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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