Argonne National Laboratory

Postdoctoral Appointee - AI-Driven Computational Catalysis

Argonne National Laboratory$72K — $121K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or related field (completed within last 0-5 years)
  • Strong foundation in quantum mechanics and electronic structure theory
  • Expertise in developing advanced AI/ML models for physical sciences applications
  • Familiarity with periodic simulation codes, particularly VASP
  • Proficient in Python programming
  • Strong communication skills, both written and oral
  • Alignment with Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Responsibilities

  • Conduct quantum mechanical studies of catalytic active sites and reaction pathways
  • Develop advanced AI/ML models for catalysis applications
  • Collaborate with experimental teams to align computational and experimental findings
  • Effectively communicate research insights through publications and presentations

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package available
  • Opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Access to cutting-edge research tools and technologies
  • Professional development and networking opportunities
  • Work in a dynamic and innovative research environment
Full Job Description
The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division invites applications for a Postdoctoral Appointee to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of computational catalysis, quantum chemistry, and artificial intelligence. This position offers an exciting opportunity to advance fundamental understanding of heterogeneous catalysis through both first-principles simulations and the development of next-generation AI approaches.

The successful candidate will perform quantum mechanical calculations to investigate catalytic active sites and reaction mechanisms in heterogeneous catalytic systems. In parallel, they will design and develop agentic AI and physics-aware AI models to accelerate discovery and deepen mechanistic insight in catalysis. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with experimental researchers, providing a highly integrated and interdisciplinary research environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct computational studies of catalytic active sites and reaction pathways using quantum mechanical methods
  • Develop advanced AI/ML models, including agentic and physics-aware approaches, for applications in catalysis
  • Collaborate closely with experimental teams to connect computational predictions with experimental observations
  • Communicate research results effectively through publications, presentations, and team interactions


Position Requirements

  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or a closely related field
  • A strong foundation in quantum mechanics and electronic structure theory
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing advanced AI/ML models for applications in physics, chemistry, or materials science
  • Experience with periodic simulation codes such as VASP
  • Proficiency in Python programming
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork


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 $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

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.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

About Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne National Laboratory is a science and engineering research national laboratory operated by the University of Chicago Argonne LLC for the United States Department of Energy. It is located in Lemont, Illinois, outside of Chicago. Argonne conducts research in a variety of fields, including energy, environment, national security, and technology. The laboratory was founded in 1946 as part of the Manhattan Project and has since become one of the largest science and engineering research laboratories in the United States.
Learn more about Argonne National Laboratory
Size
3,400 employees
Industry
Founded
1946

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