The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division is seeking a highly qualified and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in the area of light-matter interactions, with a particular focus on photoinduced energy and charge transfer and transport in various chemical systems.

This position focuses on advancing fundamental understanding of light-matter interactions with direct relevance to energy conversion. The research involves exploring the excited-state structural dynamics and mechanisms of photoinduced energy and charge transfer across a wide spectrum of systems, including small transition metal complexes, donor-acceptor pairs, and hybrid molecular-material interfaces. By designing and deploying state-of-the-art ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy techniques—such as transient absorption and emission spectroscopy—the role aims to probe both electronic and nuclear dynamics occurring on femtosecond to nanosecond timescales in photoexcited molecules and materials.

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for making measurements with advanced ultrafast optical spectroscopies, analyzing and interpreting complex spectroscopic data to map the full trajectory of excited-state processes—from the moment of photon absorption through transient structural rearrangements and intermediate states, to the ultimate photochemical outcomes like photocatalysis. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for guiding the rational design of next-generation materials and systems for solar energy applications.

In addition, the role requires close collaboration within a multidisciplinary research environment, working alongside experts in photocatalysis, X-ray spectroscopy and scattering, and inorganic materials synthesis. This collaborative framework supports the integration of complementary insights and methods, fostering innovation and accelerating progress in the development of efficient solar energy conversion technologies.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in fields of physical chemistry or physics

• Strong background in quantum mechanics, photophysics, and photochemistry

• Hands-on experience with ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy (e.g., transient absorption and emission), including laser operation, optical alignment, detector interfacing, and data analysis

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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

Preferred Requirements:

• Knowledge and experience with advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as 2D electronic spectroscopy (2DES), 2D infrared (2DIR), and 2D electronic-vibrational (2DEV) spectroscopy are desirable but not necessary

• Familiarity with experimental setup, including computer interfacing and electronics

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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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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.