The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to be part of an R&D team conducting use-inspired research supporting the development of materials for use in molten salt reactors, pyrochemical treatment of used nuclear fuel, high-level waste immobilization, and innovative applications in advanced nuclear systems being developed to meet the national energy needs and carbon reduction targets. This may include laboratory-focused projects with alloy, ceramic, and glass materials and molten salts containing hazardous and radioactive constituents.

In this position as part of a team, activities may include:

• Performing physical, chemical, and electrochemical tests and measurements with materials that may contain radioactive constituents in aqueous or molten salt environments, including measurements made within controlled-atmosphere gloveboxes or fume hoods.

• Applying chemical thermodynamic and kinetic theories to understand processes and develop models of material interactions and corrosion behavior in aqueous or molten salt environments.

• Performing test and modeling activities to measure corrosion kinetics and elucidate corrosion mechanisms, developing advanced models for predicting material behavior and relating material properties to performance.

• Operating and maintaining a scanning electron microscope to characterize radioactive and non-radioactive materials and test specimens before and after testing.

Position Requirements

• Demonstrated skill in devising and performing experiments using laboratory equipment and instruments.

• Demonstrated skill in evaluating test results by applying chemical and metallurgical theories and statistical analyses, and management of test data.

• Applicable knowledge of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, and high-temperature chemical processes.

• Laboratory skills working with high-temperature equipment and in controlled atmosphere and vacuum systems demonstrated through prior research activities that can be applied to the safe handling of hazardous materials.

• Demonstrated good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

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

• Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.

Oher: This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in chemical engineering or a related field at the Ph.D. degree level with zero to five years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience.

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