Postdoctoral Researcher – MSR Fuel Cycle

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team developing processes to support molten salt reactor (MSRs) fuel cycles, including synthesis of fuel materials and recycling of used MSR salts. The selected candidate will develop and optimize process chemistries to synthesize chloride and fluoride species, recover metals and oxides from molten salts, evaluate the purity and morphology of the products, and develop underlying understanding of the reaction kinetics and mechanisms behind these processes.

As a part of this team, you will:

• Apply engineering principles to develop molten salt synthesis and separations processes to support fuel cycle science and technology.
• Develop and test new electrodes for use in molten salt environments.
• Analyze products for impurity content through techniques such as XRD and SEM-EDS to ensure that products meet sponsor requirements.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.
• Develop innovative research directions to advance molten salt science.

Position Requirements

• Recent (within the last five years) or soon-to-be completed Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with zero to three years of experience or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience with analytical techniques such as XRD and SEM.
• Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify technical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement practical strategies.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience with molten salt systems, actinide chemistry, or electrochemistry is desired, but not mandatory.
• Experience working safely with hazardous materials in engineering controls such as gloveboxes or hoods is desired, but not mandatory.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
• Other: 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. Illegal drug testing as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 and a background investigation will be required prior to employment.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

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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