Group Leader – Separation Sciences

Argonne National Laboratory

. Lead the Separation Sciences Group within the Actinide, Geosciences, and Separation Sciences Theme .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeLemont • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $148,125 - $231,075 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates deep expertise in separation science and a strong ability to lead and mentor research teams while developing innovative research strategies. Proven track record in securing funding, publishing peer-reviewed research, and fostering collaborations with industry and academic partners.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Chemistry, Physics, Or EngineeringSeparation Science ExpertiseResearch Proposal DevelopmentPeer-Reviewed Manuscript PreparationMentoring And Staff Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Hypothesis-Driven ResearchMechanistic UnderstandingPhysical ChemistryInorganic ChemistrySolution ChemistryInterfacial ChemistryKineticsThermodynamicsAI IntegrationResearch Program Management

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCollaborative LeadershipMentoring SkillsCommitment To Staff Development

Industry Keywords

DOE PoliciesResearch StrategyCritical MineralsMaterials SeparationsSafety And ComplianceResource PlanningTeamworkImpactIntegrityAccountability

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Separation Sciences Group within the Actinide, Geosciences, and Separation Sciences Theme
Shape and execute the group’s research strategy in alignment with division and theme priorities
Lead and contribute to hypothesis-driven research advancing mechanistic and molecular-level understanding of separation processes
Sustain fundamental research programs and expand capabilities in critical minerals, materials separations, and AI-enabled mechanistic insight
Develop competitive research proposals and secure external funding
Communicate scientific findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations
Build relationships with DOE sponsors and program managers
Develop partnerships with universities, industry, and other laboratories
Lead, mentor, and develop group staff
Oversee research execution, budgets, facilities, and resource planning
Work with the AGSS Theme Lead and CSE leadership on capabilities, investments, and program development
Foster safety, security, compliance, accountability, and inclusion

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or engineering—or equivalent qualifications
At least seven years of research experience
Experience leading Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers
Ability to develop and manage fundamental research programs, staff, and resources
Deep expertise in separation science
Record of hypothesis-driven research delivering mechanistic, molecular-level understanding of separation processes or phenomena
Extensive experience preparing and defending competitive research proposals
Extensive experience preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative leadership skills
Strong knowledge of physical, inorganic, solution, and interfacial chemistry
Knowledge of kinetics, thermodynamics, and interfacial dynamics governing mass transport and phase separation
Experience integrating experimental, computational, and/or AI approaches
Ability to formulate, plan, prioritize, and execute innovative research
Strong mentoring skills and commitment to staff development
Ability to acquire and apply working knowledge of DOE and Argonne policies, rules, and regulations
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Cover letter required
Curriculum Vitae required
Summary of Research Highlights required
Disclosure of participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities may be required
Successful background check required
Government access authorization may be required upon hire or in the future

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits as part of the total rewards package
Equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination commitment
Safe and welcoming workplace
Collaborative scientific discovery and innovation environment