Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a highly skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to work in the Separations and Bioprocessing Group on developing, designing and characterizing new polymers and membranes for gas and liquid separations. The ideal candidate will have expertise in polymer synthesis and fabrication of hollow fiber membranes and thin-film composite membranes.

Position will be focused on laboratory work to advance new types of polymer membranes that can be utilized in gas separation (e.g., biogas upgrading) and liquid separation (e.g., biomass purification). This will require innovative approaches to solve challenges that go beyond the published literature. As such we are looking for a candidate that has shown the ability to create their own experimental apparatus to solve challenges. The position will require flexibility and a willingness to learn new techniques and approaches. In addition, there may be overnight experiments being run unattended, the candidate must be able to respond to issues in the laboratory within 1 hour.

In addition to working on the above projects, the postdoctoral appointee will have the opportunity to expand these areas of research and work on new proposals.

Position Requirements

Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science (those with other degrees but have similar skills to those listed will be considered).

A proven track record demonstrated through journal publications and patent applications.

Skilled communication skills at all levels of the organization.

Ability to work in a team environment.

Skills in installing, modifying and maintaining equipment.

Willingness to abide by safety rules.

Ability to work with large volumes of hazardous chemicals.

Ability to change projects and work on a variety of projects simultaneously.

Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

This position requires an on-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois, five days per week.

Must be able to respond to issues in the laboratory within 1 hour.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge in the following areas and techniques: Polymer synthesis, organic chemistry, characterization of materials, membrane fabrication especially in hollow fiber membranes and composite membranes.

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.

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.