Postdoctoral Appointee – Advanced Nanocomposite Materials for Energy Applications

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. The successful candidate will develop scalable processing approaches for incorporating one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials into structural and functional composites designed for next-generation energy technologies.

The position combines fundamental materials synthesis, advanced characterization, composite processing, and manufacturing science to establish structure-processing-property relationships that enable high-performance multifunctional materials. The candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers across Argonne, including the Materials Engineering Research Facilities (MERF) and the Argonne MXene Innovations (AMI) program, while collaborating with industrial and academic partners.

The successful candidate will investigate synthesis, processing, and manufacturing strategies for advanced composite materials reinforced with 1D and 2D nanomaterials, including MXenes, carbides, nitrides, oxides, and related materials. Research activities will include developing solution-based processing methods, optimizing powder mixing and dispersion, fabricating dense composites through thermal consolidation techniques, and evaluating mechanical, electrical, and dielectric performance.

The researcher is expected to design and execute independent research while contributing to multidisciplinary team projects. Responsibilities include planning experiments, analyzing complex datasets, developing mechanistic understanding of material behavior, publishing research findings in high-impact journals, presenting results at scientific conferences, and contributing to proposal development for future research initiatives.

Major Duties / 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.

• Assist 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.

• 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.

• A successful candidate must model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

• Ability to work onsite at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience synthesizing and processing MXenes or other two-dimensional materials.

• Experience with one-dimensional nanomaterials including nanowires, nanotubes, or nanofibers.

• Experience fabricating polymer-, ceramic-, or metal-matrix nanocomposites.

• Experience with spark plasma sintering (SPS), hot pressing, or other advanced consolidation methods.

• Experience with powder processing, colloidal chemistry, and scalable manufacturing techniques.

• Familiarity with advanced interfacial characterization methods.

• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative research directions as evidenced by high-quality publications, presentations, patents, or research awards.

• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams spanning national laboratories, universities, and industry.

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.