Postdoctoral Appointee – Radiochemical Separations and Chemical Process Engineering

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory's Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies Division invites a Postdoctoral Appointee with expertise in radiochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields to support experimental research in radiochemical separations and advanced aqueous recycling of used nuclear fuel. The position emphasizes hands-on work in radiochemistry laboratories.

The successful candidate will design and operate experimental systems for separation processes, perform laboratory-scale

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in radiochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or closely related field completed in the past 5 years or soon‑to‑be completed.
• U.S. citizenship proof required to comply with federal regulations.
• Hands‑on radiotracer and laboratory experience preferred or shown aptitude.
• Knowledge of aqueous separations chemistry or nuclear fuel cycle processes.
• Experience with separation methods such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, adsorption, precipitation, or related unit operations.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, and process control.
• Ability to independently plan and execute experimental research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute radiochemical laboratory experiments involving radiotracers and aqueous separations in controlled environments (hoods, gloveboxes, hot cells).
• Design, assemble, operate, troubleshoot, test, and optimize experimental systems to support advanced aqueous recycling of UNF.
• Evaluate separations performance for actinides, lanthanides, and fission products via experiments and data analysis.
• Prepare test plans and operating procedures, and contribute to reports, publications, and sponsor deliverables.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
• Author or co-author research proposals and white papers to advance R&D opportunities.

Skills

Radiochemistry

Laboratory work

Actinide/lanthanide separations

Radiotracers

Experimental design

Data analysis

Technical report writing

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Radiochemistry / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Job description

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee with expertise in radiochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field to support experimental research in radiochemical separations and advanced aqueous recycling of used nuclear fuel (UNF). The successful candidate will contribute to the development and optimization of advanced aqueous recycling options for UNF and related separations flowsheets, with an emphasis on hands‑on experimental work in radiochemistry laboratory environments.

Responsibilities include designing, building, modifying, and operating experimental systems for separation processes; conducting laboratory‑scale studies involving radiotracers and actinide/lanthanide separations; supporting the development and optimization of aqueous processing approaches and dry head‑end separations methods; evaluating process performance; and contributing to technical reports, publications, and sponsor deliverables. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists, engineers, and technical staff in a highly collaborative research environment and will be expected to maintain a strong commitment to safe radiological work practices, rigorous experimental methods, and high‑quality research outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute radiochemical laboratory experiments involving radiotracers, irradiated targets and materials, and aqueous separations in controlled environments such as radiological hoods, gloveboxes, and hot cells.
• Design, assemble, operate, troubleshoot, test, and optimize experimental systems and specialized apparatus, including fluid handling systems, centrifugal contactors, sample preparation methods, and instrumentation, to support advanced aqueous recycling of UNF.
• Evaluate separations performance for actinides, lanthanides, and fission products through experimental testing and data analysis.
• Prepare test plans and operating procedures, and contribute to technical documentation, reports, publications, and sponsor deliverables.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance with laboratory requirements.
• Author or co-author research proposals and white papers focused on bringing new R&D opportunities to the division.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field completed in the past 5 years or soon‑to‑be completed.
• To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
• Experience designing, building, and testing experimental setups for chemical or related process research.
• Hands‑on experience working with radiotracers, radioactive isotopes, irradiated targets, or related laboratory‑scale radiochemical studies is preferred, or demonstrated aptitude to develop these capabilities through training based on strong hands‑on chemistry or chemical engineering laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of aqueous separations chemistry, radiochemical methods, or nuclear fuel cycle‑related chemical processes.
• Experience with one or more relevant separation methods such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, adsorption, precipitation, or related unit operations.
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, and control systems for laboratory‑scale process equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experimental research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

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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