Postdoctoral Appointee 2D materials design and application

Argonne National Laboratory in the Nanocomposite Materials and Membrane Manufacturing group in the Applied Materials Division (AMD) has an opening for a postdoctoral appointee to synthesize and develop existing and novel families of 2D materials for energy and extreme environment applications.

The postdoctoral appointee is expected to conduct top-down synthesis efforts of advanced 2D materials, including oxides, carbides and nitrides (MXenes), chalcogenides, or any and all combinations using a combination of high-temperature annealing, wet-chemical etching, molten salt extraction, and surface modification processes. Due to the expansive areas of possible techniques, the candidate is expected to have a strong background in materials synthesis. In addition, the researcher will be expected to collaborate closely with both basic and applied scientists to launch research directions involving the use of 2D materials in separation technology, microelectronics, electro and thermocatalysis, electromagnetic interference shielding, and harsh environments.

As part of the Materials Engineering Research Facilities (MERF) and the Argonne MXene Innovations (AMI) program, the Nanocomposite Materials and Membrane Manufacturing group combines fundamental materials synthesis insight with realistic scaling and application-driven design to create disruptive new materials advances. In addition, the group works closely with industry partners and academic collaborators to address real-world manufacturing challenges and develop next-generation energy solutions.

The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team at Argonne with researchers at MERF, the AMI, the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), the Advanced Photon Source (APS), and external collaborators at universities, other national laboratories, and industry. The candidate is expected to design and conduct experiments, analyze data and explore mechanisms behind the experimental observations, directly mentor the research of PhD and undergraduate students, prepare technical reports and manuscripts, and support future project applications.

Major Duties / Responsibilities:

• Advance synthetic techniques to develop existing and novel 2D nanomaterials, including oxides, MXenes, chalcogenides, and others and their layered precursor phases.
• Develop controlled surface modification techniques for application-driven design of 2Ds for energy applications.
• Measure the dielectric properties and behavior of as-synthesized materials.
• Characterize the environmental, thermal, high current, and other extreme environmental stabilities of 2D flakes using a suite of in situ and ex situ characterization tools.
• Integrate developed 2D materials into energy storage and device applications related to ongoing projects and collaborate closely with applications scientists.
• Mentor PhD and undergraduate students in their own independent research projects and support characterization and synthesis needs of the various students.
• Write reports and high impact papers, and present research at conferences.
• Develop or support the development of collaborations with academia, national laboratories, and industry.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in chemical engineering, material science, or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of 2D applications in energy storage and conversion, membranes, microelectronics, or other relevant applications.
• Experience using analytical tools, such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman), and other materials characterization techniques.
• Publication record with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability/aptitude to contribute to proposal writing, write reports, and publish journal papers and patents.
• A successful candidate must model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
• This position requires on-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois, 5 days per week.
• Skilled oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct synthesis expertise with MXenes or other top-down produced 2D materials.
• Experience with in situ materials characterization tools, particularly x-ray diffraction, Raman/FTIR spectroscopies, synchrotron, or electron microscopy.
• Highly self-motivated candidate who demonstrates creative and proactive approaches towards scientific problem solving as evidenced by publications and recommendations.
• Proven track record showing the ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in a multidisciplinary team while meeting project milestones and deadlines.

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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.