Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Post-Baccalaureate Appointee: Materials Recycling candidate in The Applied Materials Division (AMD) to conduct applied research to develop innovative technologies that improve resource and energy efficiency, reduce dependence on imported energy, and strengthen national security. The Bioprocessing and Separations Group is seeking a Post-Baccalaureate Appointee to support research and development activities in materials recycling and recovery.

The Post-Baccalaureate Appointee will join a multidisciplinary team conducting research on battery recycling, with potential opportunities to support other metals recovery and separation projects. The appointee will assist with the development, testing, and evaluation of material separation and recycling processes.

Primary responsibilities may include laboratory- and pilot-scale experimental work involving a broad range of separation technologies; support for pilot-plant design, installation, commissioning, and operation; data collection and analysis; and documentation of experimental results. The appointee may also contribute to research on direct recycling, hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical recycling processes, and cathode-material synthesis.

Because this work involves chemical processing and mechanical systems, strong hands-on technical skills and comfort working with laboratory and pilot-scale equipment are highly desirable. The appointee will work both independently and collaboratively under the guidance of senior researchers and technical staff.

Position Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree earned within the past 0–2 years in engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Experience in lithium-ion battery systems, battery materials, and/or recycling technologies.
• Familiarity with materials separation equipment and techniques.
• Demonstrated aptitude for hands-on laboratory or technical work, including the use of hand tools and the assembly or modification of equipment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Skilled oral and written communication skills at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to follow laboratory, chemical, and equipment safety procedures.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
• This position requires an on-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois, five days per week.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of lithium-ion battery materials, cell components, and battery performance characteristics.
• Familiarity with metallurgical separation technologies.
• Experience with battery recycling, including direct recycling, hydrometallurgical, or pyrometallurgical processes.
• Experience with laboratory or pilot-scale equipment installation, start-up, troubleshooting, or debugging.
• Exposure to process development, process design, or pilot-plant operations.
• Experience with cathode-material synthesis or characterization.

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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.