The Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate seeks an outstanding Scientist to lead and support frontier research at the intersection of AI, autonomous platforms, data infrastructure, and materials science and/or chemistry. The candidate will have established expertise in materials or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI to accelerate their research, with the expectation of forming an independently-funded research program within 2-3 years. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced data-driven methodologies to accelerate discovery in materials/chemistry design, characterization, and synthesis.
Focus Areas (expertise in one or more is highly desirable)
Autonomous laboratories for materials synthesis and characterization
AI/ML for predictive modeling and inverse design
Generative models, reinforcement learning, and agent-based approaches to streamline experimentation and accelerate discovery
Integration of HPC, data infrastructure, and ML pipelines for data-driven and autonomous research
Digital twins and simulation-augmented AI tools
Key Responsibilities
Develop and lead an independent and collaborative research program in materials science or chemistry using AI and autonomous labs aligned with Argonne’s and the DOE’s missions
Leverage existing facilities in autonomous labs, with the freedom to build other novel platforms
Publish in refereed journals and present at conferences, symposia, and seminars
Provide work direction and mentorship to postdoctoral appointees, research assistants, students, and technical staff
Execute all activities in compliance with Argonne’s ES&H policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices
Position Requirements
Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field
Proven research track record in materials science or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI/ML
Demonstrated ability to formulate scientific problems relevant to the DOE portfolio
Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external collaborators to achieve established goals
Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment and provide scientific guidance to a diverse research community
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Submit the following materials as attachments to your application:
Cover letter detailing how your experience and expertise align with and will contribute to this position
Curriculum vitae with publication list and contact information for three professional references
1-page research statement outlining proposed research directions
RD3: Bachelors and 8+ years of experience, Masters and 5+ years, PhD and 4+ years, or equivalent
The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250 - $181,350 annually
RD4: Bachelors and 12+ years of experience, Masters and 7+ years, PhD and 6+ years, or equivalent
The expected hiring range for this position is $ 138,000 - $ 215,280 annually
Job Family
Research Development (RD)Job Profile
Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 3Worker Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 - $181,350.00.Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
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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.
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.
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Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field
- Proven research track record in materials science or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI/ML
- Demonstrated ability to formulate scientific problems relevant to the DOE portfolio
- Demonstrated ability to develop and lead an independent, externally funded research program (expectation to obtain funding within 2-3 years)
- Experience with autonomous laboratories for synthesis and characterization, and integration of ML pipelines with HPC and data infrastructure
- Expertise in AI/ML methods such as generative models, reinforcement learning, agent-based approaches, predictive modeling, or inverse design
- Strong oral and written communication skills and demonstrated multidisciplinary collaboration and mentorship experience
- Execute activities in compliance with ES&H, Safeguards and Security policies and safe work practices
- Application materials: cover letter, curriculum vitae with publication list and three references, and 1-page research statement
- Experience levels per job family: RD3 (PhD and 4+ years) or RD4 (PhD and 6+ years) or equivalent
What We Do
Argonne National Laboratory, one of the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories for science and engineering research, employs 3,400 employees, including 1,400 scientists and engineers, three-quarters of whom hold doctoral degrees.
