Postdoctoral Researcher – Critical Elements at Mineral-Water Interfaces

About the role

The Interfacial Processes Group in the Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Division at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project. This research focuses on understanding how critical elements are distributed at mineral-water interfaces, with the goal of revealing the fundamental chemical and structural behavior of these strategically important elements in geological materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the distribution and behavior of critical elements at mineral-water interfaces
• Perform extensive synchrotron scattering and imaging experiments at the Advanced Photon Source
• Develop and apply in situ characterization approaches and, where appropriate, experimental apparatus
• Prepare and characterize materials using laboratory-based analytical techniques
• Analyze and interpret complex, multimodal experimental datasets
• Communicate research results through presentations, reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles
• Collaborate effectively with researchers across disciplines and contribute to multiple related projects as needed

Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of chemistry, geochemistry, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, or a closely related field
• Strong experience with synchrotron techniques and analysis of multimodal datasets
• Experience in material synthesis and characterization
• Demonstrated knowledge of general analytical methods and experimental practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A creative, proactive, and thoughtful approach to scientific problem solving
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Flexibility to contribute across multiple projects and research applications

Preferred Background

• Experience in one or more of the following areas will help candidates succeed in this role:
• Critical elements and materials
• Electrical double layer theory and applications
• Solid-liquid phase transitions and energetics
• Mineral processing and separations
• In situ characterization and apparatus development

Work Location

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

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time