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National Lab Postdoc Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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National Lab Postdoc information

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$14

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How much do national lab postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for national lab postdoc in Chicago, IL is $23.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a National Lab postdoc?

A National Lab Postdoc is a researcher who has recently completed their Ph.D. and is undertaking postdoctoral research at a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory or similar federally funded research facility. These positions are typically temporary and provide early-career scientists with opportunities to deepen their expertise, work on cutting-edge projects, and collaborate with leading experts in the field. National Lab Postdocs often work on interdisciplinary teams and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, making these roles highly sought after for those pursuing careers in research or academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Lab postdoc?

To thrive as a National Lab Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering field, a strong research background, and expertise in experimental or computational methods. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for advancing research projects and sharing results. These skills and qualifications are vital for driving innovation, meeting research goals, and contributing to high-impact scientific discoveries in a collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges faced by National Lab postdocs, and how can they be addressed?

National Lab Postdocs often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, adapting to the unique mission-driven environment of national laboratories, and managing time between research, publishing, and networking. To address these, it's helpful to set clear project goals with mentors, actively seek interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and participate in lab-wide seminars or workshops. Many labs also offer mentorship programs and professional development resources to support postdocs in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

What is the difference between National Lab Postdoc vs Research Scientist?

AspectNational Lab PostdocResearch Scientist
Required credentialsPhD in relevant fieldPhD or equivalent experience
Work environmentResearch-focused, academic setting within national labsResearch and development in industry or academia
Employer and industry usagePrimarily government-funded national labsPrivate companies, universities, or government agencies
Common search intentPostdoctoral research opportunities at national labsResearch roles in industry or academia

National Lab Postdocs are typically early-career researchers with a PhD working in government-funded labs, focusing on fundamental research. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but work in industry or academia, with more independence and potential for career advancement. Both roles involve research but differ mainly in employer and work environment.

National Lab Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Lab Postdoc job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,457 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee: Organic Chemist

Lemont, IL • On-site

Argonne National Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Argonne National Laboratoryexternal

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Applied Materials Division (AMD) at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral candidate in the area of organic chemistry with focus on battery electrolyte materials. This position will primarily involve organic synthesis lab work and analysis of new materials. Previous experience with electrochemical analysis or battery materials testing is a bonus.
The candidate will design or modify laboratory procedures and protocols, develop experimental designs, run technical experiments, make detailed observations, gather and analyze data, and effectively report results.
The position requires hands-on laboratory work to develop and synthesize and analyze new organic materials, specifically new battery electrolyte materials.
Position Requirements
  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in Chemistry, materials science or related field.
  • Knowledge and hands-on experience in the following areas: organic chemistry and synthesis.
  • Experience in flow chemistry, microfluidic reactions, reaction scale-up, calorimetry, microwave reactions; AI/ML; design of experiments, in-line analytics.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and on a timely basis with the laboratory supervisory personnel on all developments or matters resulting from laboratory work activities.
  • Ability to maintain organized notebooks and project files.
  • Proven ability to be an excellent team player.
  • A high commitment to safety.
  • Ability to model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
  • This position requires an on-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois, five days per week.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in one or more of the folloiwng areas: standard analytical techniques (FTIR, HPLC, GC, NMR).

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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