The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to be part of an R&D team conducting use-inspired research supporting the development of materials for use in molten salt reactors, pyrochemical treatment of used nuclear fuel, high-level waste immobilization, and innovative applications in advanced nuclear systems being developed to meet the national energy needs and carbon reduction targets. This may include laboratory-focused projects with alloy, ceramic, and glass materials and molten salts containing hazardous and radioactive constituents.
In this position as part of a team, activities may include:
Performing physical, chemical, and electrochemical tests and measurements with materials that may contain radioactive constituents in aqueous or molten salt environments, including measurements made within controlled-atmosphere gloveboxes or fume hoods.
Applying chemical thermodynamic and kinetic theories to understand processes and develop models of material interactions and corrosion behavior in aqueous or molten salt environments.
Performing test and modeling activities to measure corrosion kinetics and elucidate corrosion mechanisms, developing advanced models for predicting material behavior and relating material properties to performance.
Operating and maintaining a scanning electron microscope to characterize radioactive and non-radioactive materials and test specimens before and after testing.
Position Requirements
Demonstrated skill in devising and performing experiments using laboratory equipment and instruments.
Demonstrated skill in evaluating test results by applying chemical and metallurgical theories and statistical analyses, and management of test data.
Applicable knowledge of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, and high-temperature chemical processes.
Laboratory skills working with high-temperature equipment and in controlled atmosphere and vacuum systems demonstrated through prior research activities that can be applied to the safe handling of hazardous materials.
Demonstrated good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.
Oher: This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in chemical engineering or a related field at the Ph.D. degree level with zero to five years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience.
Job Family
Postdoctoral Family
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other 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.
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