Postdoctoral Appointee: Process Systems Modeling and Optimization

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Appointee to contribute to a growing research program in process systems modeling and optimization for clean energy, critical materials, and advanced manufacturing systems. The successful candidate will join the Energy Resources and Demand Department within the Energy Systems and Infrastructure Assessment (ESIA) Division at Argonne National Laboratory.

The group develops modeling and optimization tools to accelerate the design, analysis, and deployment of efficient, flexible, and cost-effective industrial and energy processes. The postdoctoral researcher will support this mission by building and applying modular, physics-informed frameworks to explore design tradeoffs, evaluate novel process concepts, and inform early-stage technology development and scale-up strategies.

Areas of application include (but are not limited to) chemicals manufacturing and critical materials separations. This role offers the opportunity to shape foundational modeling capabilities while contributing to high-impact analysis for DOE and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in process modeling and optimization, demonstrated programming and analytical skills, and a creative, convergent approach to analysis.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of energy and industrial systems modeling, contribute to multi-disciplinary analysis efforts, and shape a growing research program. The successful candidate will receive strong mentorship and autonomy to develop a scientific vision, build collaborations, and pursue high-impact, interdisciplinary research.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, process systems engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated expertise in process modeling, process optimization, and technoeconomic analysis.

• Programming skills in scientific computing languages such as Python and Julia.

• Interest in applied, multi-disciplinary problems with an analysis component.

• Familiarity with chemicals manufacturing and critical minerals processing.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

• Ability to lead research projects, establish collaborations, and work with multidisciplinary research teams.

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

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

• This position requires an on-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

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.

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