Postdoctoral Researcher: Electrochemistry
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Location: Lemont, USA
- Job Number: 7185487 (Ref #: 416636)
- Posting Date: Oct 10, 2023
- Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking Postdoctoral Appointees to join a multidisciplinary team developing molten salt-based electrochemical processes geared towards decarbonization and sustainability. Under the guidance of a supervisor, the postdoctoral appointee will develop fundamental understanding of electrochemical reactions in molten salts and apply insights to process development and scale up. Project activities assigned to postdoctoral researchers may include understanding the electrochemical behavior of transition metal ions in molten salts used to decarbonize metal production, developing innovative processes for recycling actinides to support sustainable fuel cycles, and applying electrochemical engineering principles to control and improve product morphology, product quality, and process efficiency at engineering scale.
As a part of this team, you will:
Perform innovative experiments and electroanalytical measurements (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarization tests, etc.) to advance the technical understanding and application of molten salt chemistry.
Apply electrochemical principles to develop processes such as oxide reduction and electrorefining at engineering scale to support industrialization.
Develop and test new materials and cell configurations.
Assess and improve process efficiency, monitoring, and product quality and recovery.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.
Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance the application of molten salt electrochemistry.
Position Requirements
- Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire identified data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
- Experience in electrochemistry or electrochemical engineering.
- Knowledge of fundamental thermodynamics and kinetics.
- Experience with molten salt systems is desired, but not mandatory.
- Experience working safely with hazardous materials or actinides using engineering controls such as gloveboxes is desired, but not mandatory.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
- 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.
This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, 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.
Job Family
Postdoctoral FamilyJob Profile
Postdoctoral AppointeeWorker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)Time Type
Full timeAs 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.
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