Argonne National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, is committed to finding solutions for national priorities, including advancing critical material technologies and meeting society’s growing needs for water and energy resources. The Applied Materials Division focuses on bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. By collaborating closely with industry partners, academic institutions, and other national laboratories, researchers translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address societal needs and drive economic growth. This position supports Argonne’s mission by advancing electrochemical separation technologies for critical material recovery and long-term electrode durability.
The Electrochemical Separations Postdoctoral Research Associate will develop capacitive deionization systems for the selective recovery of critical materials and also investigate electrode aging, degradation, and durability for bioprocessing applications. The position will include designing automated experimental systems, electrode synthesis or surface modification, and integration of experimental findings with system-level analysis. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with interdisciplinary research teams, collaborate with universities, industry, and national laboratory partners, and contribute to the development of separation technologies for energy and critical resources.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, execute, and analyze experiments on capacitive deionization for critical materials recovery.
Design and implement automated experimental systems to measure electrode performance and durability over extended operation.
Investigate electrode material performance, aging, and degradation mechanisms for bioprocessing applications.
Develop and optimize electrode materials and architectures, including synthesis and/or surface modification, to improve electrode selectivity and stability.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to integrate findings into system-scale designs.
Position Requirements
Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field with 0 to 2 years of experience.
Demonstrated understanding of electrochemical separation processes and principles.
Hands-on experience in experimental system design, instrumentation, and automation.
Knowledge and experience with analytical techniques (e.g., chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy).
Experience with electrochemical techniques (e.g., CV, EIS, charge/discharge).
Ability to develop independent research projects, demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify technical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement practical strategies.
Skilled communication and interpersonal skills at all levels of the organization.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
On-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois.
Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full timeThe 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.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
