Assistant Scientist - Theory and Modeling

Theory and Modeling Group at the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory has an immediate opening for a staff member at the level of Assistant Scientist in Computational Materials Science broadly defined. The candidate will be responsible in equal measure for self-directed, collaborative research in one or more of the areas outlined in the Center for Nanoscale Materials’ strategic plan, as well as support of CNM users. Staff-led science goals include building a world-leading computational program in research areas that potentially include, but are not limited to, computational nanoscience, quantum information science, multi-scale materials modeling, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning and high-performance computing. Research that aligns with and supports CNM’s strategic scientific directions is preferred, and capitalizing on methodologies that are available across the CNM and Argonne are also encouraged, which span but are not limited to, areas such as development and application of computational techniques, AI/ML algorithms applied to materials science and chemistry, scientific applications in computational nanoscience, development of data infrastructure to enable nanoscience, and theory of nanostructured materials. Expertise in high performance computing (HPC) administration and HPC operations/maintenance is highly desirable. The CNM is a DOE Office of Science user facility that provides researchers from across the globe with world-class expertise and instrumentation for multidisciplinary nanoscience and nanotechnology research. Beyond their staff-led science, the prospective staff will be expected to provide scientific and technical support to internal and external researchers to advance their research efforts. Key Responsibilities • Develop and lead an independent and collaborative computational program in computational materials science aligned with one or more of the CNM’s strategic themes and US Department of Energy (50%). Publishes results of independent and collaborative research in refereed journals and makes presentations at meetings, conferences, symposia and seminars. Assists in proper execution and reporting of projects for CNM, DOE and other outside sponsoring sources. • Establishes and maintains a vibrant and productive collaborative program with CNM users (50%). Provide scientific and technical support for user computational projects, ensuring successful execution and development of user-led research projects. • Stays abreast of progress in pertinent fields and to assist the CNM and user community. Supports end-users with HPC operations/maintenance issues using the cluster, optimizing job submissions, getting a full understanding of workflows, and software installation support. • Collaborate with internal and external researchers to drive innovation and discoveries in nanoscience and nanotechnology. • Contribute to the advancement of CNM's strategic scientific directions through pioneering research and development. • Provides work direction to postdoctoral appointees, research assistants, students and technical staff working on projects within their area of responsibility. • Works toward achieving promotion from Assistant Scientist to Scientist. • Candidate may be required to manage vendor relationships as it pertains to hardware, cloud, and managed support services. • Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection: All activities, as they apply to work performed by self or by personnel under supervision, will be executed in compliance with ES&H and security responsibilities established by Argonne National Laboratory's ES&H policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices. Position Requirements • Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related field. • Proven track record of research in computational materials science with application areas including but not limited to quantum information sciences, energy systems, catalysis, or microelectronics. • Considerable skill in formulating scientific problems in the design and theory of nanoscale systems for applications relevant to the DOE portfolio. • Considerable skill in formulating scientific issues, data management, and high-performance computing. • Considerable oral and written communications skills and the ability to work with internal and external contacts and achieve established goals. • Strong ability to collaborate with a diverse research community and provide scientific guidance. • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment. • Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork. Interested candidates must apply through Workday and include with their application: • Cover letter; detailing how your experience and expertise will contribute to success in this position. • A detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications and the names and addresses of three professional references. • 2-page statement on proposed research. • 1-page statement regarding an approach to engage and grow the scientific user program including a diversity-equity-inclusion strategy. The Center for Nanoscale Materials is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years, Masters and 3+ years, or a PhD, or equivalent Job Family Research Development (RD) Job Profile Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other 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.