Assistant Materials Scientist — Operando Battery Characterization

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

About The Position

The Assistant Materials Scientist will support innovative energy-storage research at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and within Argonne’s Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division. The role applies high-energy X-ray diffraction and related characterization methods to investigate battery materials and systems during synthesis and operation. It offers the opportunity to develop and deploy high-throughput hardware and software tools for real-time operando characterization under thermal and electrochemical conditions. The candidate may also contribute to complementary in-house characterization using electron microscopy, computed tomography, and acoustic methods. They will design and conduct experiments, develop sample environments and experimental workflows, analyze and interpret large experimental datasets, and communicate findings through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will work with a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team advancing next-generation energy-storage technologies. The position requires a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field; postdoctoral research experience is beneficial. Argonne identifies the role as Research Development (RD), job profile Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2, with regular, full-time status. The expected hiring range is $94,486.00–$147,398.94. Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Employment is contingent on a background check, and the position may require government access authorization.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of energy-storage systems and battery materials.
Experience with in situ and operando characterization studies, including sample synthesis and preparation.
Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing, robotics, and programming for data analysis and experimental control.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through publications, presentations, and/or professional recognition.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional research environment.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
RD2 qualification criteria: bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience, master’s degree and 3+ years, or Ph.D. and 0+ years, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Postdoctoral research experience.
Experience with synchrotron X-ray methods for probing material structure and reactivity.

Responsibilities

Apply high-energy X-ray diffraction and related characterization methods to investigate battery materials and systems during synthesis and operation.
Develop and deploy high-throughput hardware and software tools for real-time operando characterization under thermal and electrochemical conditions.
Contribute, as applicable, to in-house characterization efforts using electron microscopy, computed tomography, and acoustic methods.
Design and conduct experiments.
Develop sample environments and experimental workflows.
Analyze and interpret large experimental datasets.
Communicate research findings through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
Work with a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional research team advancing next-generation energy-storage technologies.