Postdoctoral Appointee in Chemical Engineering

Argonne National Laboratory

United States

Overview

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division (CSE) at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Appointee position focused on advanced battery materials research.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge energy storage research through the design, evaluation, and development of next-generation battery materials and cells.

Under the direction of a supervisor, the successful candidate will conduct applied research on advanced battery materials using electrochemical, structural, and chemical characterization techniques.

The appointee will support battery technology research and development by:

Fabricating prototype electrodes and pouch cells in a dry-room environment.
Contributing to experimental design, data interpretation, and technical reporting.

This position requires close collaboration with Argonne researchers and external principal investigators to support the timely execution of research programs.

Responsibilities also include:

Preparing technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Presenting research findings at scientific conferences and sponsor meetings.
Contributing innovative concepts and proposals to expand divisional research activities.
Maintaining laboratory equipment and facilities.
Ensuring compliance with Laboratory and Divisional environmental, safety, health, and quality assurance (ESH/QA) requirements.
Engaging with the broader academic and research community.
Serving as a technical resource to colleagues within Argonne.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and execute applied research on advanced battery materials using electrochemical, structural, and chemical characterization methods.
Fabricate and evaluate prototype battery electrodes and pouch cells in a dry-room environment.
Collaborate with internal and external research partners to advance project objectives and meet program milestones.
Analyze experimental data and prepare reports, technical presentations, and updates for internal stakeholders, DOE, and industry sponsors.
Author manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific meetings and conferences.
Contribute new technical ideas, research concepts, and proposal development to support program growth.
Maintain laboratory instruments, equipment, and facilities in support of research operations.
Build and maintain active engagement with external academic and scientific communities.
Provide technical guidance and problem-solving support to group members and other laboratory staff.

Position Requirements

Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0–5 years) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, and/or Electrochemistry.
Demonstrated experience in electrochemical testing and physicochemical characterization of lithium- and/or sodium-based battery cells.
Hands-on experience with a range of laboratory instrumentation and characterization tools.
Strong ability to design and implement electrochemical experiments and interpret results effectively.
Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-based research environment.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical documents and presentations.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with lithium-ion and/or sodium-ion battery technologies.
Familiarity with reference-electrode cell configurations.
Experience with electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and other advanced materials and battery characterization techniques.

Position Details

Job Family: Postdoctoral

Job Profile: Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type: Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type: Full Time

Salary

Expected Hiring Range: $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:

Scope and responsibilities of the position.
Qualifications of the selected candidate.
Business considerations.
Internal equity.
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 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 during the application process 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) that the individual obtain a government access authorization involving 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.

About Argonne National Laboratory

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