Postdoctoral Appointee - Investigation of Electrocatalytic Interfaces with Advanced X-ray Microscopy

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Microscopy Group in the X-ray Science Division (XSD) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory. This position is part of the DOE–BES initiative Integrated Scientific Agentic AI for Catalysis (ISAAC), a multi-facility collaboration integrating experimental modalities and simulations to enable an orchestrating, physics-informed AI agent that accelerates discovery in catalysis science—particularly for the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER).

The postdoc will design and perform synchrotron X-ray measurements, primarily X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM), to investigate catalytic interfaces under operando electrochemical conditions. The successful candidate will contribute to the ISAAC data repository by generating AI-ready physical descriptors and advancing data-driven understanding of dynamic catalytic processes.

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying relevant user systems and potential experiments for CO₂RR, OER, and related electrochemical studies.

• Designing and performing XFM and complementary X-ray experiments at APS beamlines through user collaborations.

• Commissioning and maintaining in-situ/operando electrochemical sample environments.

• Processing and curating data for inclusion in the ISAAC multimodal data framework.

• Closely collaborate with ISAAC team members to support the development of the AI-ready agent.

• Documenting data meticulously, preparing detailed reports, and publishing results in scientific journals and at conferences.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be-completed in physics, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated expertise in synchrotron-based XFM or related X-ray microscopy methods.

• Experience in operando or in-situ experiments on catalytic, electrochemical, or energy materials.

• Experience with custom sample environments (e.g., electrochemical flow cells, heating or biasing systems).

• Proficiency in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional collaboration.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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

• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Hands-on experience with liquid transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

• Knowledge of electrocatalysis, especially CO₂RR or OER systems.

• Familiarity with data management, AI/ML integration, or multimodal data fusion.

• Knowledge of automated data collection and data processing workflows.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

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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