Argonne National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, is committed to finding solutions for critical national priorities, including combatting climate change and meeting society’s growing needs for water and energy resources. The Applied Materials Division focuses on bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. By collaborating closely with industry partners, academic institutions, and other national laboratories, researchers translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address societal needs and drive economic growth.

The Applied Materials Division within Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct research on electrochemical separations and their scale up. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing the development of electrochemical separation technologies for applications in energy production and resource recovery. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with interdisciplinary research teams; collaborate with university, industry, and national laboratories partners; and drive innovation in science and engineering. In this position, the postdoctoral researcher will lead experimental design, execution, analysis, and interpretation. The successful candidate is expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and establish new research areas.

Key responsibilities:

• Plan and execute laboratory experiments focused on the design and optimization of electrochemical separation processes, including capacitive deionization, to meet project objectives and performance targets.

• Develop or modify electrode materials, membranes, or other components to enhance separation performance.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to scale electrochemical separation technologies.

• Disseminate research findings through journal publications, conference presentations, workshops, and/or technical reports.

• Assist with the preparation of research proposals to support ongoing and future research initiatives.

Position Requirements

• PhD degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field with 0 to 2 years of experience.

• Demonstrated understanding of chemical separation processes and principles.

• Experience designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results.

• Knowledge and experience with analytical techniques (e.g., chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy).

• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.

• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify technical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement practical strategies.

• Skilled communication and interpersonal skills at all levels of the organization.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with electrochemical separation techniques.

• Familiarity in process simulation and modeling software, such as COMSOL, Aspen Plus, or similar tools.

• Knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Python) for automation, data analysis, and control algorithm development.

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As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other 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.

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