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Infrared Spectroscopy information

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$11.3K

$75.8K

$122.6K

How much do infrared spectroscopy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for infrared spectroscopy in Chicago, IL is $75,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $90,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an infrared spectroscopy professional do?

Professionals in infrared spectroscopy typically spend their days preparing samples, calibrating and maintaining IR spectroscopic equipment, collecting and analyzing spectral data, and interpreting results for a variety of applications such as quality control or research. They often work closely with other scientists, such as chemists or materials engineers, to design experiments and troubleshoot analytical issues. Documentation and reporting of findings, as well as ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols and safety standards, are regular responsibilities. This collaborative and detail-oriented environment helps ensure precise and reliable data in support of organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for infrared spectroscopy?

To thrive in an Infrared Spectroscopy role, you need a strong background in analytical chemistry or physics, with experience in interpreting spectral data and operating spectroscopic instruments. Familiarity with infrared (IR) spectrometers, data analysis software such as OPUS or SpectraGryph, and relevant quality or safety certifications are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective written and verbal communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, effective troubleshooting, and clear reporting, which are crucial for supporting research or quality assurance in laboratory settings.

What is infrared spectroscopy?

An Infrared Spectroscopy job involves analyzing materials using infrared light to identify chemical compositions and molecular structures. Professionals in this field work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, forensics, and environmental science, using spectrometers to interpret IR spectra. They may develop testing methods, ensure quality control, and conduct research to support product development. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of spectroscopy techniques are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in Chicago, IL? For Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infrared Spectroscopy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Infrared Spectroscopy job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,770 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Advanced Nanocomposite Materials for Energy Applications

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory in the Nanocomposite Materials and Membrane Manufacturing Group within the Applied Materials Division (AMD) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research on advanced nanomaterials for polymer, metal, and ceramic composite systems. The successful candidate will develop scalable processing approaches for incorporating one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials into structural and functional composites designed for next-generation energy technologies.
The position combines fundamental materials synthesis, advanced characterization, composite processing, and manufacturing science to establish structure-processing-property relationships that enable high-performance multifunctional materials. The candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers across Argonne, including the Materials Engineering Research Facilities (MERF) and the Argonne MXene Innovations (AMI) program, while collaborating with industrial and academic partners.
The successful candidate will investigate synthesis, processing, and manufacturing strategies for advanced composite materials reinforced with 1D and 2D nanomaterials, including MXenes, carbides, nitrides, oxides, and related materials. Research activities will include developing solution-based processing methods, optimizing powder mixing and dispersion, fabricating dense composites through thermal consolidation techniques, and evaluating mechanical, electrical, and dielectric performance.
The researcher is expected to design and execute independent research while contributing to multidisciplinary team projects. Responsibilities include planning experiments, analyzing complex datasets, developing mechanistic understanding of material behavior, publishing research findings in high-impact journals, presenting results at scientific conferences, and contributing to proposal development for future research initiatives.
Major Duties / Responsibilities:
  • Synthesize and characterize advanced one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, including MXenes, carbides, nitrides, and oxide nanomaterials.
  • Develop scalable solution-based mixing and dispersion processes for incorporating nanomaterials into polymer, ceramic, and metal matrices.
  • Design and optimize composite fabrication routes using densification techniques such as high-temperature sintering and spark plasma sintering.
  • Investigate processing-structure-property relationships governing electrical conductivity, dielectric breakdown strength, thermal transport, and mechanical performance.
  • Characterize composite materials using advanced analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical testing, electrical characterization, and electrochemical measurements.
  • Perform interfacial characterization to understand bonding mechanisms between nanomaterials and matrix phases.
  • Analyze experimental data, develop mechanistic insights, and communicate scientific findings through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams across Argonne National Laboratory, universities, and industrial partners.
  • Assist in the preparation of research proposals, project reports, intellectual property disclosures, and patent applications.
  • Maintain a safe laboratory environment while following Argonne safety policies and best laboratory practices.

Position Requirements
  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in chemical engineering, material science, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated expertise in nanomaterial synthesis and materials characterization.
  • Experience in polymer, ceramic, or metal matrix composites.
  • Knowledge of composite processing methods and structure-property relationships.
  • Experience with advanced characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and related analytical methods.
  • Experience evaluating mechanical, electrical, thermal, or electrochemical properties of advanced materials.
  • Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to conduct both independent and collaborative research in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Ability to contribute to proposal development, technical reporting, publications, and intellectual property generation.
  • A successful candidate must model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
  • Ability to work onsite at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience synthesizing and processing MXenes or other two-dimensional materials.
  • Experience with one-dimensional nanomaterials including nanowires, nanotubes, or nanofibers.
  • Experience fabricating polymer-, ceramic-, or metal-matrix nanocomposites.
  • Experience with spark plasma sintering (SPS), hot pressing, or other advanced consolidation methods.
  • Experience with powder processing, colloidal chemistry, and scalable manufacturing techniques.
  • Familiarity with advanced interfacial characterization methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop innovative research directions as evidenced by high-quality publications, presentations, patents, or research awards.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams spanning national laboratories, universities, and industry.

Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
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.

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