Postdoctoral Appointee – MSD Soft Matter Group – Polymers

The soft matter group at Argonne National Laboratory’s Materials Science Division (MSD) Polymer seeks a bright postdoctoral researcher with a passion for polymer science. You will join a pioneering team exploring the exciting potential of end-tethered polymer brushes and their interactions with metal ions, particularly rare earth elements. The ultimate goal is to apply these findings to advance water treatment methodologies and enhance the separation of critical materials.

In the initial phase, the emphasis will be on synthesizing and evaluating end-tethered polymers affixed to various surfaces. The research will involve establishing and optimizing the correlation between the chemical structure of these polymers and their overall performance. This position offers a unique opportunity for collaboration, as the program is designed to work closely with scientists from the Advanced Photon Source, Center for Nanoscale Materials, Materials Engineering Research Facility, and the Advanced Manufacturing Division at Argonne National Laboratory.

This role demands a substantial commitment to experimental laboratory work, particularly in controlled radical polymerization and surface/interface characterization, with expertise in the use of surface force apparatus. The ideal candidate should possess the ability to think and operate independently within a highly interdisciplinary environment involving chemists, physicists, and materials scientists.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Received within the last 3 years or upcoming year
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Previous experience in polymer synthesis, physical chemistry, polymer physics, and statistical design of experiments/data analysis is essential.

Additional Requirements:
The position primarily involves normal daytime work hours at the Argonne site or University campus, with occasional travel and the potential for overtime/nighttime work. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work autonomously, even in the performance of routine tasks.

Job Family

Postdoctoral Family

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

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