Postdoctoral Appointee - Molten Salt Chemical Engineering

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division at Argonne is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team developing molten salt-based chemical and electrochemical processes geared towards applications including advanced nuclear systems, electrometallurgy, chemical production, and national security. Under the guidance of a supervisor, the postdoctoral appointee will develop fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms in molten salts and apply insights to process development and scale up. Project activities will include the design and development of online monitoring tools (e.g., electrochemical and optical sensors) for molten salts, the development of innovative processes and technologies for recycling actinides to support sustainable fuel cycles, and the application of chemical and electrochemical principles to control and improve product morphology, product quality, and process efficiency at engineering scales.

With guidance, the appointee will:

• Develop novel process monitoring and control technologies applicable to molten salt and liquid metal systems

• Develop and test new materials and cell configurations for the production of salt and metal products.

• Perform experiments with electroanalytical and optical measurements to advance the technical understanding and application of molten salt chemistry

• Perform experiments to understand and quantify reaction pathways and kinetics for molten salt systems

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and other regular channels.

• Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance the application of molten salts to chemical and electrochemical processes.

Position Requirements

• This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field at the PhD degree level with zero to three years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience.

• To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.

• Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire identified data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.

• Knowledge of the principles and technologies associated with chemical and material processing.

• Experience working safely with hazardous materials using engineering controls such as gloveboxes is desired.

• Knowledge of the use of instrumentation and data acquisition systems to analyze and interpret experimental data.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

• Ability to model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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