Postdoctoral Researcher – Critical Elements at Mineral-Water Interfaces

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

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL, seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher for an LDRD project focusing on critical elements at mineral-water interfaces. The role emphasizes advanced synchrotron work, in situ characterization, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, with strong opportunities for material preparation and lab-based analysis.

The successful candidate will perform imaging at APS, analyze multimodal datasets, and contribute to publications while aligning with Argonne’s values of

Qualifications

• PhD completed or near completion (within 0–5 years) in a related field.
• Strong experience with synchrotron techniques and multimodal data analysis.
• Experience in material synthesis and comprehensive characterization methods.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and speaking.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on distribution and behavior of critical elements at mineral-water interfaces.
• Perform synchrotron scattering and imaging experiments at the Advanced Photon Source.
• Develop in situ characterization approaches and experimental apparatus.
• Prepare and characterize materials using laboratory-based analytical tools.
• Analyze and interpret complex multimodal datasets.
• Communicate results through presentations, reports, and peer‑reviewed articles.
• Collaborate across disciplines on multiple projects as needed.

Skills

Synchrotron techniques

Multimodal datasets

Material synthesis

Analytical methods

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Education

PhD in chemistry/geochemistry/chemical engineering/physics/materials science

Tools

Electron microscopy

Atomic force microscopy

Job description

The Interfacial Processes Group in the Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Division at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project. This research focuses on understanding how critical elements are distributed at mineral-water interfaces, with the goal of revealing the fundamental chemical and structural behavior of these strategically important elements in geological materials. We are looking for a creative and driven experimental scientist with experience in synchrotron scattering and imaging, ideally with the ability to carry out advanced measurements at the Advanced Photon Source. Experience with in-situ characterization and experimental apparatus development is especially valued. In this role, you will also contribute to material preparation and characterization using laboratory-based analytical tools, including electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of interfacial science, geochemistry, and advanced characterization in a highly collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the distribution and behavior of critical elements at mineral-water interfaces.
• Perform extensive synchrotron scattering and imaging experiments at the Advanced Photon Source.
• Develop and apply in situ characterization approaches and, where appropriate, experimental apparatus.
• Prepare and characterize materials using laboratory-based analytical techniques.
• Analyze and interpret complex, multimodal experimental datasets.
• Communicate research results through presentations, reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Collaborate effectively with researchers across disciplines and contribute to multiple related projects as needed.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in chemistry, geochemistry, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Strong experience with synchrotron techniques and analysis of multimodal datasets.
• Experience in material synthesis and characterization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general analytical methods and experimental practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A creative, proactive, and thoughtful approach to scientific problem solving.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Flexibility to contribute across multiple projects and research applications.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Preferred Background

• Experience in critical elements and materials.
• Electrical double layer theory and applications.
• Solid-liquid phase transitions and energetics.
• Mineral processing and separations.
• In-situ characterization and apparatus development.

Work Location

This position requires an on-site presence five days per week at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois.

Job Family & Compensation

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. Pay will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

To request a reasonable accommodation or for other application support, contact [e-mail] or 630-252-2336.