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Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM ORED - STEM - National Lab Initiative - Argonne REE Separation (John C Flake (00002004) (Inherited))

Work Location:

Argonne National Laboratory

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

Job Description:

The Engler and Owoyele research groups in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory are seeking a Post Doctoral Researcher to conduct investigations on materials and design of membranes to recover rare earth elements and apply AI/ML methods to improve an electrodialysis process. This position is funded by a LSU internal seed grant and in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory and will be located at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois. The main duties will include designing, synthesizing, and characterizing membranes with high selectivity towards separating rare earth elements from heterogeneous mixtures and applying AI/ML methods to improve the material design and overall electrodialysis process. They will collaborate with experts in polymer and ligand design, membrane fabrication and processing, synchrotron-based characterizations, AI/ML modeling, and TEA/LCA analysis. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong initiative, leadership, creativity, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. The candidate will work both independently and collaboratively on research projects, write reports and manuscripts, and present findings at science and engineering conferences. This position is planned to last two years.

Job Responsibilities:

Conduct research on membranes with high selectivity towards rare earth elements. This includes designing, synthesizing, and characterizing membranes with high selectivity towards separating rare earth elements from heterogeneous mixtures and applying AI/ML methods to improve the material design and overall electrodialysis process. (50%)

Collaborate with experts in polymer and ligand design, membrane fabrication and processing, synchrotron-based characterizations, AI/ML modeling, and TEA/LCA analysis. (40%)

Write reports to project sponsor, manuscripts, and give presentations at conferences (10%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field and experience with organic synthesis and interest in developing AI/ML models.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in developing AI/ML and computational models for scientific/engineering applications

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

The postdoc will work closely with LSU faculty and will be embedded within the research environment at Argonne National Laboratory .

Applicants should submit:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Cover letter outlining research experience and interest in the position
3. Brief research statement (1–2 pages)
4. Contact information for 3 references

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.

For questions regarding pay or the status of your application, please contact Dr. John Flake at johnflake@lsu.edu.

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

June 16, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

October 14, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.