Postdoctoral Appointee - Molten Salt Technology

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

1d•$72,879 - $121,465

About The Position

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join an R&D team. This role involves conducting use-inspired research to support the development of molten salt technologies for applications such as molten salt reactors (MSRs), molten salt fuels, pyrochemical treatment of used nuclear fuel, and innovative advanced energy systems aimed at meeting national energy needs.

Requirements

Ph.D. completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
Zero to five years of experience or equivalent.
Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire data, using and maintaining research equipment and instruments, compiling, evaluating and reporting test results.
Knowledge and experience in chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, and high-temperature chemical processes.
Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify technical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement practical strategies.
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Experience with molten salt systems, actinide chemistry, or materials science.
Experience working safely with hazardous materials in engineering controls such as gloveboxes or hoods.

Responsibilities

Develop, build and test equipment and perform molten salt separations which support the development of a secure fuel supply for MSRs and nuclear fuel cycle facilities.
Perform thermochemical and thermophysical properties measurements of MSR relevant molten salts to understand the impact of evolving salt composition on property values and provide this data to current MSR developers for use in developing molten salt fuel specifications.
Develop novel and improved methods for measurements of molten salt properties and standardize procedures to ensure quality data is available for the design, licensing and operation of MSRs and other energy systems.
Develop and perform laboratory tests and electrochemical operations with molten salts that may contain actinides and lanthanides within controlled atmosphere gloveboxes.
Apply chemical thermodynamic and kinetic theories to understand processes and develop models of material interactions and behavior in molten salt environments.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.