PSE Autonomous Discovery Scientist

argonne; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 116,250 - 215,280; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory invites a scientist to lead and advance frontier research at the intersection of AI, autonomous platforms, data infrastructure, and materials science or chemistry. The role requires building an independently funded program within 2–3 years and applying data-driven methods to accelerate discovery from synthesis to characterization.

The successful candidate will publish, mentor teams, and collaborate across Argonne’s DOE missions, leveraging autonomous labs and HPC data

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with a strong track record in materials science or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI/ML.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead a multidisciplinary, funded research program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research program in materials science or chemistry using AI and autonomous labs.
• Leverage existing autonomous lab facilities and build new platforms as needed.
• Publish in refereed journals; present at conferences, seminars.
• Mentor postdocs, researchers, students, and staff.
• Ensure compliance with ES&H policies and security rules.

Skills

AI/ML for materials/chemistry

Autonomous laboratories

Collaborative leadership

Oral and written communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Physics/Chemistry/CS or related field

Tools

Autonomous lab platforms

HPC and data infrastructure

Job description

Overview

The Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate seeks an outstanding Scientist to lead and support frontier research at the intersection of AI, autonomous platforms, data infrastructure, and materials science and/or chemistry. The candidate will have established expertise in materials or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI to accelerate their research, with the expectation of forming an independently‑funded research program within 2-3 years. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced data‑driven methodologies to accelerate discovery in materials/chemistry design, characterization, and synthesis.

Focus Areas

• Autonomous laboratories for materials synthesis and characterization
• AI/ML for predictive modeling and inverse design
• Generative models, reinforcement learning, and agent‑based approaches to streamline experimentation and accelerate discovery
• Integration of HPC, data infrastructure, and ML pipelines for data‑driven and autonomous research
• Digital twins and simulation‑augmented AI tools

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent and collaborative research program in materials science or chemistry using AI and autonomous labs aligned with Argonne’s and the DOE’s missions
• Leverage existing facilities in autonomous labs, with the freedom to build other novel platforms
• Publish in refereed journals and present at conferences, symposia, and seminars
• Provide work direction and mentorship to postdoctoral appointees, research assistants, students, and technical staff
• Execute all activities in compliance with Argonne’s ES&H policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field
• Proven research track record in materials science or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI/ML
• Demonstrated ability to formulate scientific problems relevant to the DOE portfolio
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external collaborators to achieve established goals
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment and provide scientific guidance to a diverse research community
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Required Experience and Salary Range

• RD3: Bachelors and 8+ years of experience, Masters and 5+ years, PhD and 4+ years, or equivalent – $116,250 – $181,350 annually
• RD4: Bachelors and 12+ years of experience, Masters and 7+ years, PhD and 6+ years, or equivalent – $138,000 – $215,280 annually

Application Materials

• Cover letter detailing how your experience and expertise align with and will contribute to this position
• Curriculum vitae with publication list and contact information for three professional references
• 1-page research statement outlining proposed research directions

Job Details

Job Family: Research Development (RD)

Job Profile: Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 3

Worker Type: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Additional Information

The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 - $181,350.00. 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 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.