Group Leader - Separation Sciences

Argonne National Laboratory’s Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Division invites applications for a Group Leader to lead the Separation Sciences (SS) Group within the Actinide, Geosciences, and Separation Sciences (AGSS) Theme.

This position offers the opportunity to shape a fundamental research program, support the growth and development of a talented scientific team, and advance molecular-level understanding of chemical separations. Reporting to the AGSS Theme Lead, the Group Leader will combine scientific contributions with responsibility for staff, facilities, projects, budgets, resource planning, and stakeholder engagement.

We welcome candidates who bring scientific vision, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging research environment.

About the Separation Sciences Group

The SS Group conducts fundamental, hypothesis-driven experimental and computational research to reveal the mechanisms and molecular-level phenomena underlying chemical separation processes. Its research aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences (BES) Separation Science program.

The group seeks foundational knowledge that enables the prediction and control of chemical and physical mass transport and phase separation. This includes understanding the kinetics, thermodynamics, and interfacial dynamics of these processes across multiple length and time scales—from quantum interactions to macroscopic phenomena. Rather than directly optimizing performance metrics such as selectivity, capacity, throughput, durability, or energy input, the group focuses on the molecular-level understanding that underpins those outcomes.

Current research priorities include:

• Kinetics and chemical conversions
• Interfacial dynamics
• Cooperative chemical interactions that overcome thermodynamic limits
• Underexplored physical driving forces for separation
• Emerging separation science for energy-relevant streams, including critical minerals and materials and industrial gases and liquid
• The use of artificial intelligence, including superintelligence (SI), to gain fundamental insight into separation mechanisms

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership and Program Development

• Shape and execute the SS Group’s research strategy in alignment with CSE Division and AGSS Theme priorities
• Lead and contribute to world-leading, hypothesis-driven research that advances mechanistic and molecular-level understanding of separation processes
• Sustain a strong fundamental research program while expanding capabilities in emerging areas, including critical minerals and materials separations and AI-enabled mechanistic insight
• Develop competitive research proposals, secure external funding, and communicate scientific findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations
• Build productive relationships with DOE sponsors and program managers, and develop partnerships with universities, industry, and other laboratories

People and Operational Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop group staff, supporting scientific excellence, career growth, and collaborative engagement
• Oversee research execution, budgets, facilities, and resource planning to support current programs and long-term growth
• Work closely with the AGSS Theme Lead and CSE leadership to align capabilities, investments, and program development with strategic priorities
• Foster a culture of safety, security, compliance, accountability, and inclusion

Position Requirements

• A Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or engineering—or equivalent qualifications—and at least seven years of research experience, including experience leading Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers

• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage fundamental research programs, staff, and resources
• Deep expertise in separation science, with a record of hypothesis-driven research that delivers mechanistic, molecular-level understanding of separation processes or phenomena
• Extensive experience preparing and defending competitive research proposals and preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative leadership skills

• Strong knowledge of physical, inorganic, solution, and interfacial chemistry, including the kinetics, thermodynamics, and interfacial dynamics governing mass transport and phase separation
• Experience integrating experimental, computational, and/or AI approaches to address fundamental scientific questions
• Demonstrated ability to formulate, plan, prioritize, and execute innovative research
• Strong mentoring skills and a commitment to staff development
• Ability to acquire and apply a working knowledge of DOE and Argonne policies, rules, and regulations
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Application Materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Summary of Research Highlights

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Chemistry Leader 1

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $148,125.00 - $231,075.00.

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.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

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.