Assistant Materials Scientist — Operando Battery Characterization
About The Position
Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a motivated, collaborative researcher to support energy-storage research at the Advanced Photon Source and within its Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division. The successful candidate will use high-energy X-ray diffraction and related characterization methods to study battery materials and systems during synthesis and operation. The position involves developing and deploying high-throughput hardware and software for real-time operando characterization under thermal and electrochemical conditions. The candidate may also contribute to in-house characterization using electron microscopy, computed tomography, and acoustic methods. They will work with a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team developing next-generation energy-storage technologies. Applicants must submit a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae including publications, a research proposal of no more than two pages, a one-page statement describing an approach to engaging and growing the scientific user program, and contact information for three professional references. The role is classified as Research Development (RD), job profile Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2, and is a regular, full-time position. The expected hiring range is $94,486.00–$147,398.94. Argonne states that comprehensive benefits are part of its total rewards package; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field; the posting also lists equivalent experience pathways of a bachelor's degree with 5 or more years of experience, a master's degree with 3 or more years, or a Ph.D. with 0 or more years.
- 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 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.
Nice To Haves
- Postdoctoral research experience will be beneficial.
- Experience with synchrotron X-ray methods for probing material structure and reactivity is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Design and conduct experiments using high-energy X-ray diffraction and related characterization methods to investigate battery materials and systems during synthesis and operation.
- Develop sample environments and experimental workflows.
- Develop and deploy high-throughput hardware and software tools for real-time operando characterization under thermal and electrochemical conditions.
- Analyze and interpret large experimental datasets.
- Communicate research findings through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
- Contribute to complementary in-house characterization efforts, potentially using electron microscopy, computed tomography, and acoustic methods.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team advancing next-generation energy-storage technologies.
- Engage with and grow the scientific user program, as addressed in the required application statement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
