PSE Autonomous Discovery Scientist

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

1d•$116,250 - $215,280

About The Position

The Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate seeks an outstanding Scientist to lead and support frontier research at the intersection of AI, autonomous platforms, data infrastructure, and materials science and/or chemistry. The candidate will have established expertise in materials or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI to accelerate their research, with the expectation of forming an independently-funded research program within 2-3 years. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced data-driven methodologies to accelerate discovery in materials/chemistry design, characterization, and synthesis. Focus Areas (expertise in one or more is highly desirable) Autonomous laboratories for materials synthesis and characterization AI/ML for predictive modeling and inverse design Generative models, reinforcement learning, and agent-based approaches to streamline experimentation and accelerate discovery Integration of HPC, data infrastructure, and ML pipelines for data-driven and autonomous research Digital twins and simulation-augmented AI tools

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field
Proven research track record in materials science or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI/ML
Demonstrated ability to formulate scientific problems relevant to the DOE portfolio
Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external collaborators to achieve established goals
Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment and provide scientific guidance to a diverse research community
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Submit the following materials as attachments to your application: Cover letter detailing how your experience and expertise align with and will contribute to this position Curriculum vitae with publication list and contact information for three professional references 1-page research statement outlining proposed research directions
RD3: Bachelors and 8+ years of experience, Masters and 5+ years, PhD and 4+ years, or equivalent
RD4: Bachelors and 12+ years of experience, Masters and 7+ years, PhD and 6+ years, or equivalent

Nice To Haves

Autonomous laboratories for materials synthesis and characterization
AI/ML for predictive modeling and inverse design
Generative models, reinforcement learning, and agent-based approaches to streamline experimentation and accelerate discovery
Integration of HPC, data infrastructure, and ML pipelines for data-driven and autonomous research
Digital twins and simulation-augmented AI tools

Responsibilities

Develop and lead an independent and collaborative research program in materials science or chemistry using AI and autonomous labs aligned with Argonne’s and the DOE’s missions
Leverage existing facilities in autonomous labs, with the freedom to build other novel platforms
Publish in refereed journals and present at conferences, symposia, and seminars
Provide work direction and mentorship to postdoctoral appointees, research assistants, students, and technical staff
Execute all activities in compliance with Argonne’s ES&H policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices

Benefits

comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
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