The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research in chemical process engineering, separations, and process intensification for recovery of critical materials from primary and secondary feedstocks. Responsibilities may include designing, constructing, and operating new experimental systems; supporting bench- and pilot-scale testing of hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, solvent (liquid-liquid) extraction, and adsorption; evaluating process performance and operability; developing test plans and standard operating procedures; assisting with data analysis and technical documentation; and contributing to publications, reports, and sponsor deliverables.
The successful candidate will work closely with staff researchers and technical teams and will be expected to contribute to a safe, collaborative, and results-oriented research environment. The work will emphasize process engineering, experimental systems, and data-driven evaluation of process performance, with opportunities to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and external partners across national laboratory, university, and industrial settings.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, assemble, operate, and troubleshoot bench- and pilot-scale chemical process equipment
Plan and execute experiments related to separation processes, fluid handling, and process intensification
Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to assess process performance, stability, and scale-up considerations
Support development of process documentation, including test plans, operating procedures, and technical reports
Contribute to integration of instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems for experimental platforms
Work with aqueous and organic chemical systems and support characterization of process streams
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists, engineers, data scientists, and external project partners
Present results in internal reviews, sponsor meetings, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
Maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance with laboratory requirements
Contributes to the development of white papers and proposals seeking support from existing and new research sponsors
Position Requirements
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related discipline completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed
Knowledge and experience in experimental research involving chemical or process systems
Familiarity with process instrumentation, sensors, controls, or data acquisition systems
Experience with one or more programming or analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar platforms
Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Record of publications, presentations, or other technical outputs commensurate with career stage
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Experience with inorganic chemical separation processes such as solvent extraction, adsorption, ion exchange, or related unit operations preferred but not required
Knowledge and experience in aqueous lanthanide/rare earth chemistry preferred but not required
Experience with rotating mechanical equipment preferred but not required
Job Family
PostdoctoralJob Profile
Postdoctoral AppointeeWorker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)Time Type
Full timePlease 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.
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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.
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Argonne National Laboratory focuses on solving the most challenging scientific problems through advanced modeling and simulation on the most capable computers. The division aims to build lab-wide cross-cutting simulation application capabilities integrating with mathematics, computer science, domain science, and advanced computing architectures and facilities.