Postdoctoral Appointee – Hydrometallurgical Process Engineering and Chemical Separations

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research in chemical process engineering, separations, and process intensification for recovery of critical materials from primary and secondary feedstocks. Responsibilities may include designing, constructing, and operating new experimental systems; supporting bench- and pilot-scale testing of hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, solvent (liquid-liquid) extraction, and adsorption; evaluating process performance and operability; developing test plans and standard operating procedures; assisting with data analysis and technical documentation; and contributing to publications, reports, and sponsor deliverables.

The successful candidate will work closely with staff researchers and technical teams and will be expected to contribute to a safe, collaborative, and results-oriented research environment. The work will emphasize process engineering, experimental systems, and data-driven evaluation of process performance, with opportunities to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and external partners across national laboratory, university, and industrial settings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, assemble, operate, and troubleshoot bench- and pilot-scale chemical process equipment

• Plan and execute experiments related to separation processes, fluid handling, and process intensification

• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to assess process performance, stability, and scale-up considerations

• Support development of process documentation, including test plans, operating procedures, and technical reports

• Contribute to integration of instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems for experimental platforms

• Work with aqueous and organic chemical systems and support characterization of process streams

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists, engineers, data scientists, and external project partners

• Present results in internal reviews, sponsor meetings, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications

• Maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance with laboratory requirements

• Contributes to the development of white papers and proposals seeking support from existing and new research sponsors

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related discipline completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed

• Knowledge and experience in experimental research involving chemical or process systems

• Familiarity with process instrumentation, sensors, controls, or data acquisition systems

• Experience with one or more programming or analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar platforms

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Record of publications, presentations, or other technical outputs commensurate with career stage

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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience with inorganic chemical separation processes such as solvent extraction, adsorption, ion exchange, or related unit operations preferred but not required

• Knowledge and experience in aqueous lanthanide/rare earth chemistry preferred but not required

• Experience with rotating mechanical equipment preferred but not required

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 $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

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.

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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.