Job Description

Position Description We invite you to apply for a Postdoctoral Appointee position within our Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division (CSE). 

Under the guidance of a supervisor, you will conduct fundamental research on photoinduced electron transfer pathways in molecular and supramolecular architectures embedded within nanoporous membranes to understand the influence of confinement and environmental factors on photophysical properties and photochemical outcomes. The characterization of light-driven reaction pathways and structural dynamics in these new materials will be accomplished by transient optical spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering and spectroscopy analyses at the Advanced Photon Source.

In this role you will: 

• Synthesize new molecular and supramolecular photocatalytic materials: organic and inorganic synthetic procedures and standard characterization and identification methods.
• Generate molecularly-defined heterogeneous materials for photophysical and photochemical characterization.
• Characterize the structure and photocatalytic function of confined molecular materials using a range of physical and spectroscopy techniques.
• Analyze data, prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed publications, and make presentations at scientific meetings.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of pertinent literature.
• Develop new ideas, concepts, and/or research proposals.

Position Requirements We expect you to have: 

• Considerable knowledge of and experimental expertise in multistep, air-sensitive organic/inorganic syntheses, purification techniques, and standard characterization methods. Specifically, experience in synthesis of transition-metal coordination compounds and new ligand structures is desired.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong skill in data processing, evaluation, and interpretation.
• Strong skill in working in an interdisciplinary research team setting.
• Some knowledge of and experimental expertise in one or more of the following techniques is a plus: absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy, electrochemistry, transient optical spectroscopy, X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy. 

This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in inorganic chemistry or related disciplines at the Ph.D. degree level with 0 to 3 years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience.

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, 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.

Argonne is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne prohibits discrimination or harassment based on an individual's age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.