The Heavy Element Chemistry and Separation Science group in the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division of Argonne National Laboratory is seeking applications for a postdoctoral research associate to conduct fundamental research focused on the chemical separation of rare earths.

The successful candidate will join a diverse team of experts from across the Lab to address challenging, fundamental questions about chemical separations applied to critical materials, the answers to which will inform a more energy efficient and environmentally aware nation.

The team includes staff and postdoctoral fellows with diverse backgrounds in inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, as well as physics and materials science.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratories with advanced instrumentation, including the X-ray capabilities provided by the Advanced Photon Source.

The candidate will be expected to contribute experimental insights to understand solution structuring and phase transitions in liquid-liquid extraction, with applications focusing on rare earth elements.

As a contributor to a collaborative group effort, the candidate will have the opportunity to lead studies, including the preparation of manuscripts and the presentation of their research in a national forum.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. degree level with 0 to 3 years of experience or equivalent in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field at the time of start date

• Expertise in chemical separations of metal ions

• The ability to conduct research addressing fundamental scientific questions

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications Include:

• Some knowledge of liquid-liquid extraction, including phase equilibria

• Expertise in solution characterization techniques, including IR, Raman and NMR spectroscopies

• Expertise in chemical analysis techniques, including mass spectrometry, potentiometric titration and Karl Fischer titration

• Experience in structural characterization of liquids, including small angle X-ray scattering

• Interests in the theory of liquid-liquid equilibria, phase transitions or critical phenomena

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