Postdoctoral Appointee – Process Modeling

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, USA

ID: 7234648 (Ref.No. 417899)
Posted: April 5, 2024

Job Description

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team performing process modeling, flowsheet development, and novel equipment design for recycling used nuclear fuels to support advanced reactor development and deployment. In particular, projects will focus on pyroprocessing, which includes several high-temperature electrochemical unit operations performed in molten salt electrolytes.

As a part of this team, you will:

  • Perform integrated system modeling and data analyses to develop and apply complex flowsheets and process models supporting pyroprocessing technology design and demonstrations.

  • Use laboratory testing to improve the understanding of relationships between process operating conditions and product quality and develop feedback schemes for controlling pyroprocesses.

  • Apply and improve pyroprocess operations at engineering-scale that support industrialization.

  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.

  • Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance the development of pyrochemical processes.

Position Requirements

Skill in devising and executing models and experiments to acquire data to meet project objectives, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.

  • Experience using software such as MATLAB, COMSOL, OpenFOAM, python, or Aspen Plus or HYSIS.

  • Experience with molten salt systems, actinide chemistry, or materials science is desired, but not mandatory.

  • Knowledge of electrochemistry or electrochemical engineering principles is desired, but not mandatory.

  • Experience working safely with radioactive materials in engineering controls such as gloveboxes or hoods is desired, but not mandatory.

  • Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

  • Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

  • 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.

This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, nuclear engineering, or related field at the PhD degree level with zero to three years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience.

Job Family

Postdoctoral Family

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

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.



Argonne is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne prohibits discrimination or harassment based on an individual's age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
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