Postdoctoral Appointee – Advanced Nanocomposite Materials for Energy Applications

About the role

The Argonne National Laboratory in the Nanocomposite Materials and Membrane Manufacturing Group within the Applied Materials Division (AMD) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research on advanced nanomaterials for polymer, metal, and ceramic composite systems.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize advanced one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, including MXenes, carbides, nitrides, and oxide nanomaterials.
• Develop scalable solution-based mixing and dispersion processes for incorporating nanomaterials into polymer, ceramic, and metal matrices.
• Design and optimize composite fabrication routes using densification techniques such as high-temperature sintering and spark plasma sintering.
• Investigate processing-structure-property relationships governing electrical conductivity, dielectric breakdown strength, thermal transport, and mechanical performance.
• Characterize composite materials using advanced analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical testing, electrical characterization, and electrochemical measurements.
• Perform interfacial characterization to understand bonding mechanisms between nanomaterials and matrix phases.
• Analyze experimental data, develop mechanistic insights, and communicate scientific findings through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams across Argonne National Laboratory, universities, and industrial partners.
• Aid in the preparation of research proposals, project reports, intellectual property disclosures, and patent applications.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment while following Argonne safety policies and best laboratory practices.

  Requirements

  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in chemical engineering, material science, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated expertise in nanomaterial synthesis and materials characterization.
  • Experience in polymer, ceramic, or metal matrix composites.
  • Knowledge of composite processing methods and structure-property relationships.
  • Experience with advanced characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and related analytical methods.
  • Experience evaluating mechanical, electrical, thermal, or electrochemical properties of advanced materials.
  • Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to conduct both independent and collaborative research in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Ability to contribute to proposal development, technical reporting, publications, and intellectual property generation.
  • Model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
  • Ability to work onsite at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois.