Staff Scientist - AI​/ML and Autonomous Discovery Nanomaterials; CNM

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking an outstanding staff scientist to lead and support cutting‑edge research at the intersection of AI/ML, data infrastructure, autonomous lab systems, and nanomaterials science. This position emphasizes developing and applying advanced data‑driven methodologies to accelerate discovery across materials design, experimental characterization, and synthesis, with an expectation of strong engagement with CNM users and close integration with CNM experimental facilities.

• Develop and lead an independent and collaborative research program aligned with CNM strategic themes and the DOE mission (~50%).
• Publish results of independent and collaborative research in refereed journals and present at meetings, conferences, symposia, and seminars.
• Assist in the proper execution and reporting of projects for CNM, DOE, and other sponsoring sources.
• Establish and maintain a vibrant and productive collaborative program with CNM users (~50%).
• Provide scientific and technical support for user projects spanning modeling, autonomous synthesis, AI/ML, and experimental data interpretation, ensuring successful execution and dissemination of user‑led research.
• Enable experimental–computational workflows by collaborating closely with experimental staff and users to integrate AI/ML and modeling with CNM characterization and synthesis capabilities (e.g., experiment planning, data reduction, automated analysis, multimodal data fusion, and in situ/operando interpretation).
• Stay abreast of progress in relevant fields and contribute to CNM and the broader user community through method development, best practices, and mentoring.
• Support end‑users with high‑performance computing and workflow needs (job optimization, workflow integration, data movement/management, software support) and with scalable analysis pipelines for experimental and simulation data.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers to drive innovation and discoveries in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• Contribute to the advancement of CNM strategic scientific directions through pioneering research and development.
• Provide work direction to postdoctoral appointees, research assistants, students, and technical staff working on projects within the candidate’s area of responsibility.
• Candidate may be required to manage vendor relationships as it pertains to hardware, cloud, and managed support services.
• Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection:
  All activities will be executed in compliance with ES&H and security responsibilities established by Argonne policies and safe practices.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven track record of research in computational materials science and/or AI/ML, with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with experimental researchers and to impact experimentally driven programs.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate scientific problems relevant to nanoscale materials and DOE mission areas (e.g., microelectronics, energy capture/storage/conversion, quantum information science).
• Experience with data‑intensive research, scientific software, autonomous synthesis, reproducible workflows, and high‑performance computing.
• Five years of experience as an independent researcher working in autonomous synthesis and/or AI for materials discovery is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work with internal and external contacts to achieve established goals.
• Strong ability to collaborate with a diverse research community and provide scientific guidance in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

$94,486 – $147,399 annually (for 0+ years experience). $116,250 – $181,350 annually (for 4+ years experience).

Argonne National Laboratory is an equal employment opportunity employer. In accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, we are 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.