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ArgonnePSE Autonomous Discovery Scientist
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Before you apply
Salary$116k – $215k
LocationLemont, IL USA
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience4+ yrs
DepartmentPhysical Sciences and Engineering
Company size1,001–5,000 people
PostedFeb 24, 2026 · 8mo ago
Verified live18h ago
May no longer be actively hiring
Posted by the company on Feb 24, 2026
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field
Proven research track record in materials science or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI/ML
Demonstrated ability to formulate scientific problems relevant to the DOE portfolio
Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external collaborators
Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment and provide scientific guidance to a diverse research community
Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
RD3: Bachelors and 8+ years of experience, Masters and 5+ years, PhD and 4+ years, or equivalent
RD4: Bachelors and 12+ years of experience, Masters and 7+ years, PhD and 6+ years, or equivalent
Skills
AI
autonomous platforms
data infrastructure
materials science
chemistry
machine learning
predictive modeling
inverse design
generative models
reinforcement learning
agent-based approaches
HPC
ML pipelines
digital twins
simulation-augmented AI tools
Python
Benefits
Health insurance
401(k)
Unlimited PTO
Remote stipend
About the role
The Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate seeks an outstanding Scientist to lead and support frontier research at the intersection of AI, autonomous platforms, data infrastructure, and materials science and/or chemistry. The candidate will have established expertise in materials or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI to accelerate their research, with the expectation of forming an independently-funded research program within 2-3 years. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced data-driven methodologies to accelerate discovery in materials/chemistry design, characterization, and synthesis.
Nice to have
Focus Areas (expertise in one or more is highly desirable)
•
Autonomous laboratories for materials synthesis and characterization
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AI/ML for predictive modeling and inverse design
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Generative models, reinforcement learning, and agent-based approaches to streamline experimentation and accelerate discovery
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Integration of HPC, data infrastructure, and ML pipelines for data-driven and autonomous research
•
Digital twins and simulation-augmented AI tools
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
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Develop and lead an independent and collaborative research program in materials science or chemistry using AI and autonomous labs aligned with Argonne’s and the DOE’s missions
•
Leverage existing facilities in autonomous labs, with the freedom to build other novel platforms
•
Publish in refereed journals and present at conferences, symposia, and seminars
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Provide work direction and mentorship to postdoctoral appointees, research assistants, students, and technical staff
•
Execute all activities in compliance with Argonne’s ES&H policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices
Position Requirements
•
Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field
•
Proven research track record in materials science or chemistry using autonomous platforms and AI/ML
•
Demonstrated ability to formulate scientific problems relevant to the DOE portfolio
•
Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external collaborators to achieve established goals
•
Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment and provide scientific guidance to a diverse research community
•
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Hiring process
Submit the following materials as attachments to your application:
•
Cover letter detailing how your experience and expertise align with and will contribute to this position
•
Curriculum vitae with publication list and contact information for three professional references
•
1-page research statement outlining proposed research directions
RD3: Bachelors and 8+ years of experience, Masters and 5+ years, PhD and 4+ years, or equivalent
•
The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250 - $181,350 annually
RD4: Bachelors and 12+ years of experience, Masters and 7+ years, PhD and 6+ years, or equivalent
•
The expected hiring range for this position is $ 138,000 - $ 215,280 annually
Job Family
Research Development (RD)
Job Profile
Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 3
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 - $181,350.00.
Legal
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.
Benefits
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne’s Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.