Group Leader – Materials and Device Evaluation

Argonne National Laboratory

. Provide scientific, technical, and organizational leadership for a high-performing multidisciplinary research group .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeLemont • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $148,125 - $231,075 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in energy-storage, electrochemical materials, and advanced characterization techniques, while leading multidisciplinary research teams and securing funding for innovative projects. Strong ability to integrate machine learning and AI methods into experimental research, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Or PhysicsHigh-Impact Research In Materials Characterization And ElectrochemistryExperience Leading Multidisciplinary Research TeamsExpertise In Advanced Characterization ApproachesProposal Development And Budget Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Materials CharacterizationElectrochemistryExperimental Program DesignData InterpretationAutomated ExperimentationMachine LearningAI-Enabled Materials AnalysisSpectroscopyMicroscopyThermal Analysis

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentoringCollaborationCommunicationJudgment

Tools & Technologies

Controlled-Environment InstrumentationHigh-Throughput CharacterizationData Management SystemsComplex Materials InterfacesResearch Proposal Software

Industry Keywords

Energy-Storage ScienceMaterials DegradationSafety ComplianceEnvironmental StewardshipResponsible AI Application

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide scientific, technical, and organizational leadership for a high-performing multidisciplinary research group
Define and implement a strategic vision for energy-storage, electrochemical materials, and broader energy-science contributions
Develop and lead experimental and computational research programs using physical, spectroscopic, metallographic, electrochemical, and related diagnostic methods
Advance systematic evaluation of materials performance, degradation mechanisms, and failure modes
Establish capabilities in automated experimentation, high-throughput characterization, data management, machine learning, and AI-enabled materials analysis and discovery
Serve as principal investigator for sponsored research, including project development, proposal preparation, budgeting, execution, reporting, and delivery of research outcomes
Oversee personnel, facilities, equipment, budget, safety, and resource planning
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and develop scientific and technical staff, postdoctoral researchers, students, and visiting researchers
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance research culture
Build collaborations across Argonne, national laboratories, universities, industry, and government sponsors
Publish research, communicate results through presentations, technical reports, and scientific forums, and represent Argonne nationally and internationally
Identify emerging research opportunities and develop initiatives that expand the group’s research portfolio
Ensure compliance with Argonne and DOE requirements for safety, security, environmental stewardship, responsible data use, and responsible AI application

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or a closely related field, with postdoctoral and/or professional research experience
Demonstrated record of high-impact research in materials characterization, diagnostics, electrochemistry, materials degradation, energy-storage science, or related energy-science fields
Experience with complex materials systems, preferably including battery, electrochemical, or other energy-relevant materials
Demonstrated ability to formulate important scientific questions; design and execute rigorous experimental programs; interpret complex data; and translate findings into broadly applicable scientific understanding
Demonstrated success in securing and leading externally funded research programs, including proposal development, scope and budget management, and delivery of sponsor commitments
Experience leading, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary research teams
A strong record of peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and professional recognition appropriate to career stage
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Expertise in one or more advanced characterization approaches, such as spectroscopy, microscopy, diffraction or scattering, metallography, electrochemical testing, thermal analysis, surface or interface analysis, or related techniques
Interest in and demonstrated ability to advance the integration of laboratory automation, data science, machine learning, and/or agentic AI methods into experimental materials research
Experience working with air-sensitive materials, controlled-environment instrumentation, or complex materials interfaces
Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills
Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and organizations
Sound judgment and ability to manage competing priorities while fostering accountability, inclusion, scientific integrity, and operational excellence
Commitment to creating a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative environment
Disclosure of participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities as required
Successful completion of a background check
Ability to obtain and maintain government access authorization if required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package
Safe and welcoming workplace
Collaborative scientific discovery and innovation