Postdoctoral Researcher – Electrochemistry of Nuclear Materials

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

2d•$72,879 - $121,465•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team developing electrochemical reactions and processes in molten salt electrolytes, primarily for recycling used nuclear fuel to support the deployment of advanced reactors. The selected candidate will develop and optimize novel separations chemistries to recover actinide and rare earth materials from complex feedstocks to achieve the desired product quality and form.

Requirements

Proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
Recent (within the last five years) or soon-to-be completed Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
Knowledge and experience in electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering, or materials science and the ability to apply research principles from those fields to new systems.
Knowledge and experience with analytical techniques such as XRD and SEM.
Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
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 is desired, but not mandatory.
Experience working safely with hazardous materials in engineering controls such as gloveboxes or hoods is desired, but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

Apply electrochemical engineering principles to develop processes such as oxide reduction and electrorefining at engineering-scale.
Develop and test new materials and electrochemical reactions.
Perform innovative experiments and electroanalytical measurements (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarization tests, etc.) to advance the technical understanding of molten salt chemistry.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.
Develop innovative research ideas and proposals to advance the field of molten salt electrochemistry.