Postdoctoral Researcher – Electrochemistry of 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

Postdoctoral Appointee

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team developing electrochemical reactions and processes in molten salt electrolytes, primarily for recycling used nuclear fuel to support the deployment of advanced reactors. The selected candidate will develop and optimize novel separations chemistries to recover actinide and rare earth materials from complex feedstocks to achieve the desired product quality and form.

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.

Position Requirements

• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which 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 from those fields 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.


• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Job Family and Details

Postdoctoral Job Profile: Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type: Long‑Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type: Full time

Salary and Benefits

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.

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.

Additional Employment Information

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.

Company Culture

At Argonne, we view the world from a different perspective. Our scientists and engineers conduct world‑class research in clean energy, the environment, technology, national security and more. We’re finding creative ways to prepare the world for a better future.