Postdoctoral Appointee - Exploratory Synthesis & Crystal Growth of Quantum Materials

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

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory’s Materials Science Division seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Quantum States and Crystalline Matter Group in Lemont, IL. The role focuses on discovering and studying new quantum materials, with emphasis on superconductors and solid-state inorganic compounds.

Responsibilities include exploratory synthesis and crystal growth, plus comprehensive structural, optical, magnetic and electrical characterization to reveal structure-property relations and

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in Physics, Materials Science or Chemistry.
• Experience with exploratory synthesis and crystal growth of quantum materials.
• Hands-on materials characterization including X-ray diffraction and optical/magnetic/electrical measurements.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and publish impactful results.

Responsibilities

• Lead exploratory synthesis and crystal growth of superconducting and related quantum materials.
• Characterize structure-property relationships via optical, magnetic and electrical measurements.
• Collaborate with chemists, physicists and materials scientists to achieve research goals.
• Communicate findings through publications and conferences.

Skills

Independent research

Crystal growth

Materials characterization

X-ray diffraction

Collaborative teamwork

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in Physics, Materials Science or Chemistry

Tools

Molten-flux growth

Bridgman crystal growth

Chemical vapor transport

Powder/single-crystal X-ray diffraction

Job description

The Materials Science Division is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our Quantum States and Crystalline Matter Group. This exciting research opportunity focuses on the discovery and study of new quantum materials, with a primary emphasis on superconductors. The successful candidate will play a key role in the exploratory synthesis and crystal growth of novel solid-state inorganic materials, including chalcogenides, pnictides, halides, and intermetallic compounds. The position also involves comprehensive structural, optical, magnetic, and electrical characterization to establish structure-property relationships and advance the understanding of emergent quantum phenomena.

Position Requirements

Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in Physics, Materials Science or Chemistry.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in the exploratory synthesis and crystal growth of novel quantum materials using techniques such as molten-flux growth (metals, chalcogenides, halides, and hydroxides), Bridgman crystal growth, chemical vapor transport, and related methods.
• Hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques, including powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, single-crystal structure determination, optical spectroscopy, and magnetic and electrical property measurements.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists to accomplish research objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret experimental results and contribute to high-impact scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Demonstrated interest in, and commitment to staying current with, advances in quantum materials, superconductivity, and related areas of condensed matter research.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
• Ability to work onsite at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois.

Job Family & Profile

Postdoctoral Job 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.

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 is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

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