Postdoctoral Appointee - Experimental Study of High-Temperature Chemical Kinetics

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, USA

Job posting number: #7216790 (Ref:417231)

Posted: February 13, 2024

Job Description

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral appointee. The position focuses on the experimental study of high-temperature chemical kinetics of radicals and molecules. Recent work has focused on the pyrolysis of aromatic compounds, gas-phase molecular growth, and the reactions of alkyl radical isomers. A core strength is the development and application of novel experimental systems.

These include two unique shock tubes equipped with multiple diagnostics to initiate reactions under well-defined, reproducible conditions, as well as synchrotron methods for photoionization mass spectrometry and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Two new laser systems have recently been installed. One is for UV detection of radicals, and the other is a VUV photoionization source.

The position will involve integrating these lasers with shock tube systems with a particular focus on developing a lab-scale shock tube/VUV-PIMS system for probing elementary kinetics and mechanisms. Chemical studies will focus on reactions of resonantly stabilized radicals in particle growth, radical+molecule reactions relevant to sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), and a new direction in high temperature gas/surface reactions. Although the work is primarily experimental, close collaboration with theoreticians at Argonne and other institutions is essential to develop a full understanding of the complex chemical systems.

Position Requirements

  • Considerable experience in gas-phase kinetics, experimental techniques for studying high-temperature kinetics, and chemical kinetic simulations

  • Considerable experience in laser, optical systems and mass spectrometry

  • Good experience in the design of experimental systems and integration of optical diagnostics

  • Good experience in programming with LabVIEW and Python

  • Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

  • Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork

  • This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education at the Ph.D. degree level with 0 to 3 years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience

Job Family

Postdoctoral Family

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other 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.  

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Argonne is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne prohibits discrimination or harassment based on an individual's age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.


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