Postdoctoral Appointee: Materials Scientist

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team conducting use-inspired research that focuses on developing innovative materials, methods and models for assessing the corrosion behavior of durable glass, glass-ceramic, and alloy materials including nuclear waste forms. Specific tasks may include material production; designing and executing tests and experiments using standardized and novel chemical and electrochemical methods to determine corrosion mechanisms and quantify effects of material compositions and environmental variables on degradation kinetics by using chemical and electrochemical methods; developing advanced mechanistic models for predicting long-term degradation in service environments; and modifying formulations and production methods to improve material performance. As a part of this team, you will : Synthesize alloy and glassy materials using high-temperature furnaces. Perform standardized and innovative experiments to advance the technical understanding of material interactions and corrosion behavior. Perform SEM/EDS analyses of prepared and reacted specimens to relate changes in microstructures of multi-phase materials to other analytical measurements. Apply chemical, electrochemical, and metallurgical principles to understand degradation mechanisms, develop predictive models, and improve material formulations. Contribute to timely completion of defined workscope and project deliverables. Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance material development. Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.

Requirements

• PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field completed in the past five years, or soon-to-be completed.
• Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire identified data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
• Good knowledge of fundamental thermodynamics and kinetics.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with metallurgical sample preparation is desired, but not mandatory.
• Experience working safely with hazardous materials using engineering controls such as gloveboxes is desired, but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize alloy and glassy materials using high-temperature furnaces.
• Perform standardized and innovative experiments to advance the technical understanding of material interactions and corrosion behavior.
• Perform SEM/EDS analyses of prepared and reacted specimens to relate changes in microstructures of multi-phase materials to other analytical measurements.
• Apply chemical, electrochemical, and metallurgical principles to understand degradation mechanisms, develop predictive models, and improve material formulations.
• Contribute to timely completion of defined workscope and project deliverables.
• Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance material development.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree