Postdoctoral Appointee – Molten Salt Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking Postdoctoral Appointees to join a multidisciplinary team developing molten salt-based chemical and electrochemical processes geared towards applications including electrometallurgy, advanced nuclear systems, and chemical production. Under the guidance of a supervisor, the postdoctoral appointee will develop fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms in molten salts and apply insights to process development and scale up. Project activities will include the design and development of advanced sensors and flow systems for molten salts, the development of innovative processes and technologies for recycling actinides to support sustainable fuel cycles, and the application of chemical and electrochemical principles to control and improve product morphology, product quality, and process efficiency at engineering scales.

With guidance, the appointee will :

• Perform experiments with multimodal sensors to advance the technical understanding and application of molten salt chemistry and electrochemistry

• Develop novel process monitoring and control technologies applicable to molten salt and liquid metal systems

• Develop advanced molten salt flow systems to enable accelerated material processing approaches

• Develop and test new materials and cell configurations.

• Perform experiments to understand and quantify reaction pathways and kinetics for molten salt systems

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and other regular channels.

• Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance the application of molten salts to chemical and electrochemical processes.

Position Requirements

• This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field at the PhD degree level with zero to five years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience.

• Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire identified data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.

• Knowledge of general principles and technologies associated with chemical and material processing.

• Familiarity with electrochemistry or electrochemical engineering principles

• Experience working safely with hazardous materials using engineering controls such as gloveboxes is desired.

• Knowledge of the use of computers to design and control experiments and to analyze and interpret experimental data is required.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

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

• To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract. Illegal drug testing as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 and a background investigation will be required prior to employment. 

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

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.

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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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