SULI - ESIA - Malorny, Emily - 3.12.26

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

2d

About The Position

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large and diverse class of highly persistent chemicals widely detected in water, soils, and air. This project will investigate PFAS types and classification, emphasizing structural features that influence mobility, bioaccumulation, and treatment performance. This project will focus on practical remediation by evaluating detection, separation, and adsorption technologies across representative water matrices (e.g., drinking water, wastewater, and groundwater). Bench- and pilot-scale studies will compare conventional and emerging approaches such as granular activated carbon, ion exchange, tailored sorbents, membrane separation, and foam fractionation, with attention to capacity, selectivity (short- vs. long-chain PFAS), regeneration potential, and residuals management. Finally, the project will assess technologies for PFAS destruction and defluorination pathways for concentrated waste streams, including electrochemical, plasma-based, and advanced oxidation/reduction methods, using fluorine mass balance and transformation product tracking to verify mineralization and avoid harmful byproducts. To assess the technologies, a literature review will be used to identify the major economic and environmental design parameters for the selection of specific technologies. Outcomes of this work will include an integrated framework for PFAS identification and monitoring, technology performance data, and decision-relevant guidance for treatment train design and sustainable PFAS management.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited institution.
• Graduated from an accredited institution within the past 3 months; or
• Actively enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution.
• Must be 18 years or older at the time the appointment begins.
• Must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident at the time of application.
• If accepting an offer, must pass a screening drug test
• The entirety of the appointment must be conducted within the United States.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees