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Catalysis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the role We are hiring a Catalysis Scientist to anchor the lab-bench side of an industrial catalyst-discovery program in heterogeneous catalysis for renewable fuels. You will own catalyst ...

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Catalysis information

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$63.5K

$154.8K

$251K

How much do catalysis jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for catalysis in the United States is $154,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $184,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Catalysis position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Catalysis, a solid background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science is essential, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, catalytic reactors, and computational modeling tools such as MATLAB or ChemDraw is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help professionals stand out in research or industrial settings. These abilities are critical to designing, optimizing, and scaling catalytic processes that drive innovation and efficiency in the chemical industry.

What is a Catalysis job?

A catalysis job involves researching, developing, and optimizing chemical reactions that use catalysts to enhance efficiency and selectivity. Professionals in this field work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and environmental science to improve processes like fuel production or emission reduction. Responsibilities may include catalyst design, reaction mechanism analysis, and process optimization. Scientists and engineers in this role often work in laboratories, using analytical techniques to evaluate catalyst performance. A strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science is typically required.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for professionals working in catalysis?

Professionals in catalysis can progress from entry-level research or process roles to senior scientist, project leader, or technical manager positions within industrial or academic settings. Advancement often depends on demonstrated expertise in catalyst design, process optimization, and successful project outcomes, as well as publication or patent contributions. Professionals may also expand their careers into related fields such as process development, quality control, or even commercial roles supporting technical sales and customer solutions. Many large organizations offer internal training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead interdisciplinary teams, supporting both technical and leadership growth.

What cities are hiring for Catalysis jobs? Cities with the most Catalysis job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Catalysis jobs? The most popular types of Catalysis jobs are:
What states have the most Catalysis jobs? States with the most job openings for Catalysis jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Catalysis jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Catalysis jobs are:
Infographic showing various Catalysis job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 45% Physical, and 55% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,846 per year, or $74.4 per hour.
Assistant Computational Chemist / Chemical Engineer - Catalysis

Assistant Computational Chemist / Chemical Engineer - Catalysis

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL โ€ข On-site

$94K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a regular, full-time Assistant Computational Chemist / Chemical Engineer position. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to computational research in electrocatalysis and heterogeneous catalysis, working closely with experimental collaborators to advance fundamental understanding and catalyst design.
This role involves conducting multiscale modeling, spectroscopy simulations, and the development of machine learning methods and automated workflows for multi-fidelity, multiscale, and multiphysics simulations. The research will be closely integrated with corresponding experimental efforts.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform computational studies in electrocatalysis and heterogeneous catalysis
  • Develop and apply multiscale modeling approaches to catalytic systems
  • Conduct spectroscopy simulations, including techniques such as XANES, EXAFS, and Mรถssbauer spectroscopy
  • Develop and implement machine learning methods and automated workflows for complex catalytic simulations
  • Collaborate closely with experimental researchers to interpret results and guide catalyst development
  • Contribute to proposal development and funding applications
  • Mentor postdoctoral researchers and graduate students

Position Requirements
  • Ph.D. in physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, computational materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with 3-6 years of postdoctoral research experience
  • Comprehensive understanding of quantum mechanics and catalysis
  • Extensive experience in heterogeneous thermal catalysis and electrocatalysis, including:
    • catalyst design
    • mechanistic studies
    • microkinetic modeling
    • reactor modeling
  • Strong computational expertise in applying quantum mechanical methods to determine electronic structure, catalytic properties, and reaction mechanisms
  • Demonstrated experience in spectroscopy simulations, including XANES, EXAFS, and Mรถssbauer spectroscopy
  • Proficiency in Python and relevant computational platforms
  • At least 1-2 years of experience adapting and implementing AI/ML methods in catalysis, including:
    • machine learning interatomic potentials
    • agentic workflows
  • Experience in proposal writing and funding applications
  • Experience mentoring postdoctoral researchers and graduate students
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with PGM-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts
  • Experience with COโ‚‚ reduction catalysis

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent
Job Family
Research Development (RD)
Job Profile
Chemistry 2
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.
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.
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.