Group Lead: Separation Sciences

Group Leader, Separation Sciences (SS) Division: Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Theme: Actinide, Geosciences, and Separation Sciences (AGSS) Location: Argonne National Laboratory Reports to: AGSS Theme Lead More information: https://www.anl.gov/cse

Argonne’s Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division seeks a Group Leader to lead the Separation Sciences Group within the AGSS Theme. The Group Leader will provide strategic, scientific, and operational leadership; advance world‑class research in separation sciences; and grow programs aligned with AGSS, CSE, and DOE priorities. This role includes mentoring staff, ensuring safe and secure operations, securing external funding, and building strong relationships with sponsors, universities, industry, and government laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

• Lead, mentor, and develop SS Group staff; foster inclusive engagement and career growth

• Provide administrative oversight, resource planning, and effective execution of group activities

• Uphold and champion a strong culture of safety, security, and compliance

• Communicate group needs, status, and performance to AGSS and CSE leadership

Research and Strategy

• Conduct cutting‑edge research as an individual investigator in separation sciences

• Shape and execute strategic plans for CSE/AGSS/SS; expand research directions and capabilities

• Drive emerging initiatives (e.g., critical materials) and propose innovative approaches and methodologies

• Provide technical guidance and maintain excellence in core programs while pursuing new opportunities

Program Development and Funding

• Secure external funding; prepare and deliver high‑quality proposals, briefings, and status updates

• Lead responses to larger sponsor projects and new funding opportunities

• Publish peer‑reviewed manuscripts and contribute to the broader scientific community

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Build productive relationships with sponsors and program managers, frequently interfacing with DOE and other organizations

• Establish and maintain liaisons with universities, industry, and government laboratories

• Coordinate with companion programs to enhance collective effectiveness and provide expertise to support planning and execution

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or engineering (or equivalent)

• 7+ years of post‑Ph.D. research experience

• Demonstrated leadership of Ph.D.‑level scientists and engineers

• Proven ability to develop and manage fundamental research programs, staff, and resources

• Deep expertise in separation sciences, including physical, inorganic, solution, and interfacial chemistries

• Extensive experience preparing, defending, and winning competitive research proposals; strong record of peer‑reviewed publications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated ability to formulate, plan, prioritize, and execute innovative research

• Strong mentoring skills and commitment to inclusive team development

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Application Materials

• Cover letter that includes your scientific vision for the Separation Science Group at Argonne

• Curriculum Vitae

• Summary of Research Highlights

• Review of Applications will begin immediately

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Chemistry Leader 1

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $137,577.00 - $223,567.11.

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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