The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking to develop electrochemical reactions and processes in molten salt electrolytes for recycling used nuclear fuel to support the deployment of advanced reactors.
Requirements
- Knowledge and experience in electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering, or materials science and the ability to apply research principles from those fields to new systems.
- Experience with molten salt systems, actinide chemistry, or materials science is desired, but not mandatory.
- Experience working safely with hazardous materials in engineering controls such as gloveboxes or hoods is desired, but not mandatory.
- Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
- Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify technical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement practical strategies.
Responsibilities
- Apply electrochemical engineering principles to develop processes such as oxide reduction and electrorefining at engineering-scale.
- Develop and test new materials and electrochemical reactions.
- Perform innovative experiments and electroanalytical measurements (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarization tests, etc.) to advance the technical understanding of molten salt chemistry.
- Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance the field of molten salt electrochemistry.
- Devising and performing experiments to acquire data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
Other
- Recent (within the last five years) or soon-to-be completed Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or related field with zero to three years of experience or equivalent.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
- Ability to pass illegal drug testing as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 and a background investigation prior to employment.
