Postdoctoral Appointee – Chemical Recycling of Polymers

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

Job posting number: #7369072 (Ref:423285)

Posted: August 19, 2026

Job Description

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory welcomes applications for aPostdoctoral Appointeeto join ourPolymer Upcycling Team.

In this role, you will contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research program focused on thechemical recycling of polymersandorganometallic catalysis. You will work alongside scientists with diverse expertise to design, synthesize, and characterize new recyclable polymer systems, while evaluating their thermomechanical properties. The position also offers the opportunity to investigate catalytic reaction mechanisms through reaction kinetics and complementary physical organic and inorganic chemistry approaches.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career scientist who is passionate about sustainable materials, catalysis, and fundamental mechanistic research.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, synthesize, and characterize new recyclable polymers
  • Evaluate the thermomechanical properties of polymeric materials
  • Conduct research on chemical recycling processes and organometallic catalysis
  • Perform mechanistic studies using reaction kinetics analysis and related physical organic and inorganic techniques
  • Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team
  • Communicate research findings clearly through written reports, presentations, and publications

Position Requirements

  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of Polymer Science, Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, or a closely related field

  • Experience in scientific application knowledge and practical laboratory experience

  • Demonstrated experience in thesynthesis and characterization of highly air-sensitive transition metal complexes

  • Experience in thesynthesis of polymeric materials

  • Strong understanding ofkinetics and thermodynamicsas they relate to catalysis

  • Experience designing, conducting, and interpreting experiments to investigatecatalytic reaction mechanisms

  • Proficiency in written and verbal scientific communication

  • Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such asgel permeation chromatography (GPC),rheology, andnuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy

  • 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.

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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.

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.





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More Info

Job posting number:#7369072 (Ref:423285)
Application Deadline:Open Until Filled
Employer Location:Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne,Illinois
United States
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