Postdoctoral Appointee - Molten Salt Technology

Job Overview

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join an R&D team conducting use-inspired research supporting the development of molten salt technologies for application to molten salt reactors (MSRs) and molten salt fuels, pyrochemical treatment of used nuclear fuel, and innovative applications in advanced energy systems being developed to meet the national energy needs.

• Develop, build and test equipment and perform molten salt separations which support the development of a secure fuel supply for MSRs and nuclear fuel cycle facilities.
• Perform thermochemical and thermophysical property measurements of MSR relevant molten salts to understand the impact of evolving salt composition on property values and provide this data to current MSR developers for use in developing molten salt fuel specifications.
• Develop novel and improved methods for measurements of molten salt properties and standardize procedures to ensure quality data is available for the design, licensing and operation of MSRs and other energy systems.
• Develop and perform laboratory tests and electrochemical operations with molten salts that may contain actinides and lanthanides within controlled atmosphere glove boxes.
• Apply chemical thermodynamic and kinetic theories to understand processes and develop models of material interactions and behavior in molten salt environments.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.

• Ph.D. completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or related field with zero to five years of experience or equivalent.
• Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire data, using and maintaining research equipment and instruments, compiling, evaluating and reporting test results.
• Knowledge and experience in chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, and high‑temperature chemical processes.
• Problem‑solving skills, including the ability to identify technical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement practical strategies.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience with molten salt systems, actinide chemistry, or materials science is desired, but not mandatory.
• Experience working safely with hazardous materials in engineering controls such as glove boxes or hoods is desired, but not mandatory.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values:
  Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Postdoctoral Job Profile:
Postdoctoral Appointee. Worker Type:
Long‑Term (Fixed Term). Time Type:
Full time. The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00–$.

Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check. Certain positions may require the individual to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.