Postdoctoral Appointee – Radiochemical Separations and Chemical Process Engineering

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee with expertise in radiochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field to support experimental research in radiochemical separations and advanced aqueous recycling of used nuclear fuel (UNF). The successful candidate will contribute to the development and optimization of advanced aqueous recycling options for UNF and related separations flowsheets, with an emphasis on hands-on experimental work in radiochemistry laboratory environments.

Responsibilities include designing, building, modifying, and operating experimental systems for separation processes; conducting laboratory-scale studies involving radiotracers and actinide/lanthanide separations; supporting the development and optimization of aqueous processing approaches and dry head-end separations methods; evaluating process performance; and contributing to technical reports, publications, and sponsor deliverables.

The successful candidate will work closely with scientists, engineers, and technical staff in a highly collaborative research environment and will be expected to maintain a strong commitment to safe radiological work practices, rigorous experimental methods, and high-quality research outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute radiochemical laboratory experiments involving radiotracers, irradiated targets and materials, and aqueous separations in controlled environments such as radiological hoods, gloveboxes, and hot cells

• Design, assemble, operate, troubleshoot, test, and optimize experimental systems and specialized apparatus, including fluid handling systems, centrifugal contactors, sample preparation methods, and instrumentation, to support advanced aqueous recycling of UNF

• Evaluate separations performance for actinides, lanthanides, and fission products through experimental testing and data analysis

• Prepare test plans and operating procedures, and contribute to technical documentation, reports, publications, and sponsor deliverables

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance with laboratory requirements

• Author or co-author research proposals and white papers focused on bringing new R&D opportunities to the division

• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed

• 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

• Experience designing, building, and testing experimental setups for chemical or related process research

• Hands-on experience working with radiotracers, radioactive isotopes, irradiated targets, or related laboratory-scale radiochemical studies is preferred, or demonstrated aptitude to develop these capabilities through training based on strong hands-on chemistry or chemical engineering laboratory experience

• Knowledge of aqueous separations chemistry, radiochemical methods, or nuclear fuel cycle-related chemical processes

• Experience with one or more relevant separation methods such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, adsorption, precipitation, or related unit operations

• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, and control systems for laboratory-scale process equipment

• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experimental research

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment

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

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.