We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the Separations and Bioprocessing Group in the Applied Materials Division at Argonne National Laboratory. In this role, the postdoctoral researcher will conduct advanced research to develop sustainable, innovative bioprocesses and separation technologies to improve the efficiency of resource and energy utilization; to minimize our dependence on imported energy; and to enhance our national security.

The successful applicant will play a pivotal role in advancing our research projects applying arrested methanogenesis to valorize organic waste streams into high value bioproducts and biofuels (e.g., sustainable aviation fuel), bioleaching to recover critical materials from brines, spent batteries, e-scrap, etc., and scaling up our new membrane technology to pilot-scale to provide process intensification. In particular, the new hire will conduct digestion experiments using 50L- 400L continuously stirred fermenters and anaerobic and aerobic membrane reactors. The new hire will also use cross flow membrane filtration and organic solvent nanofiltration units to increase selective separation of targeted products and integrate with the bioprocess to increase productivity of the bioprocesses. This role will also involve the investigation of operational issues (e.g., membrane fouling) associated with membrane systems and the development of mitigation strategies. The postdoctoral appointee will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional team. The postdoctoral appointee is expected to aid in the design, analysis, and interpretation of experiments as well as present findings to the community through publications and presentations.

Position Requirements

Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or bioengineering field with 0 to 2 years of experience, or the equivalent experience through practical application in a laboratory.

Knowledge of and experience with bioprocess development and scale up.

Knowledge of and experience with working BSL-2 microorganisms.

Knowledge of and experience with separation and purification technologies and equipment.

Knowledge of and experience with process modeling and techno-economic analysis of biofuels, bioproducts, and biomaterials.

Skills working interactively and productively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Skills in oral and written communication.

Record of publication and external recognition in these areas.

Ability to work independently on a day-to-day basis.

Will be required to work a non-standard schedule to accommodate testing needs, including afternoons and weekends.

Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication.

Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.

Onsite presence is required.

Job Family

Postdoctoral Family

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other 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.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.