The Solar Energy Conversion Group within the Chemical Sciences and Engineering division is seeking applicants for a post-doctoral associate position in the area of synthesis of molecular photosensitizers and catalysts, electro- and photochemical analysis of molecular complexes and assemblies, and analysis of catalytic mechanisms. This work will support fundamental research programs aimed at understanding the fundamental molecular structure factors underpinning effective visible light absorption, photoinduced electron transfer, and multi-electron catalytic activity of newly discovered molecular modules.

This position will be specifically focused on developing outer coordination sphere components to enable dynamic assembly of photosensitizers and catalysts, and to tune microenvironment effects on molecular activity. Characterization of light- and redox-driven reaction pathways and structural dynamics in these new molecular materials will be accomplished by steady-state and time-resolved optical absorbance spectroscopy, electrochemical methods, and X-ray scattering and spectroscopy analyses at the Advanced Photon Source.

Position Requirements

• Knowledge of and experimental expertise in multistep, air-sensitive organic/inorganic syntheses, purification techniques, and standard characterization methods

• Demonstrated experience in synthesis and characterization of transition-metal coordination compounds and new ligand structures, as well evaluation of electro- or photocatalytic mechanisms as demonstrated by scientific publications in relevant journals is desired

• Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Good skill in data processing, evaluation, and interpretation. Good skill in working in an interdisciplinary research team setting

• Some knowledge of and experimental expertise in one or more of the following techniques is a plus:  absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy, electrochemistry, transient optical spectroscopy, X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy

• This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in inorganic chemistry or related disciplines at the Ph.D. degree level with 0 to 3 years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience

Job Family

Job Profile

Worker Type

Time Type

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Please note that all Argonne employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. All successful applicants will be required to provide their COVID-19 vaccination verification as a condition of employment, subject to limited legally recognized exemptions to COVID-19 vaccination.