Postdoctoral Appointee – Radiochemical Separations and Chemical Process Engineering

Postdoctoral Appointee in Radiochemistry

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee with expertise in radiochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field to support experimental research in radio chemical separations and advanced aqueous recycling of used nuclear fuel (UNF). The successful candidate will contribute to the development and optimization of advanced aqueous recycling options for UNF and related separations flow sheets, with an emphasis on hands-on experimental work in radiochemistry laboratory environments.

Responsibilities include designing, building, modifying, and operating experimental systems for separation processes; conducting laboratory-scale studies involving radiotracers and actinide/lanthanide separations; supporting the development and optimization of aqueous processing approaches and dry head-end separations methods; evaluating process performance; and contributing to technical reports, publications, and sponsor deliverables.

The successful candidate will work closely with scientists, engineers, and technical staff in a highly collaborative research environment and will be expected to maintain a strong commitment to safe radiological work practices, rigorous experimental methods, and high-quality research outcomes.

• Plan and execute radio chemical laboratory experiments involving radiotracers, irradiated targets and materials, and aqueous separations in controlled environments such as radiological hoods, glove boxes, and hot cells
• Design, assemble, operate, troubleshoot, test, and optimize experimental systems and specialized apparatus, including fluid handling systems, centrifugal contractors, sample preparation methods, and instrumentation, to support advanced aqueous recycling of UNF
• Evaluate separations performance for actinides, lanthanides, and fission products through experimental testing and data analysis
• Prepare test plans and operating procedures, and contribute to technical documentation, reports, publications, and sponsor deliverables
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance with laboratory requirements
• Author or co-author research proposals and white papers focused on bringing new R&D opportunities to the division

• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed
• 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
• Experience designing, building, and testing experimental setups for chemical or related process research
• Hands-on experience working with radiotracers, radioactive isotopes, irradiated targets, or related laboratory-scale radio chemical studies is preferred, or demonstrated aptitude to develop these capabilities through training based on strong hands-on chemistry or chemical engineering laboratory experience
• Knowledge of aqueous separations chemistry, radio chemical methods, or nuclear fuel cycle-related chemical processes
• Experience with one or more relevant separation methods such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, adsorption, precipitation, or related unit operations
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, and control systems for laboratory-scale process equipment
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experimental research
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork