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Neuromorphic Computing Research Jobs in Illinois

Neuromorphic Computing Research information

What is neuromorphic computing research?

Neuromorphic computing research is the study and development of computer systems inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. Researchers in this field design hardware and software that mimic neural architectures, aiming to achieve greater efficiency and adaptability than traditional computing methods. This research often involves creating artificial neurons and synapses using novel materials and architectures to enable advanced tasks like pattern recognition and real-time learning. The ultimate goal is to create energy-efficient, intelligent computing systems for applications ranging from robotics to AI and sensory processing.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in neuromorphic computing research?

Professionals in neuromorphic computing research often encounter challenges related to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, requiring deep knowledge of neuroscience, computer engineering, and machine learning. Developing hardware that effectively mimics neural architectures can be complex due to limitations in current fabrication technologies and the need for novel algorithms. Additionally, researchers must frequently collaborate with teams from diverse backgrounds, which necessitates strong communication and adaptability. Securing funding and staying updated with rapid advancements in both neuroscience and AI are also ongoing challenges in this dynamic research area.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in neuromorphic computing research?

To thrive in Neuromorphic Computing Research, a strong background in computer science, electrical engineering, neuroscience, and mathematics—often at the graduate level—is essential. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or C++), neural network frameworks, hardware description languages, and simulation tools like SpiNNaker or NEST, as well as published research experience, is typically required. Critical thinking, creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and effective communication set outstanding researchers apart in this evolving field. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving innovation and bridging the gap between biological intelligence and artificial computing systems.
What job categories do people searching Neuromorphic Computing Research jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Neuromorphic Computing Research jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Neuromorphic Computing Research job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Materials Informatics and Autonomous Synthesis

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on developing AI/ML methods for autonomous materials discovery and synthesis.

We are seeking a creative and collaborative researcher who is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of autonomous synthesis and self-driving laboratories. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of data science, machine learning, materials research, and experiment, and who is motivated to translate computational advances into real laboratory workflows.

The position will focus on building the data resources, predictive models, and closed-loop decision frameworks needed to accelerate experimentation and advance next-generation autonomous laboratories. The broader goal is to enable AI-driven materials discovery, autonomous synthesis, and the development of high-quality, reusable datasets that support adaptive experimentation and long-term scientific impact.

This research may include applications in areas such as organic electrochemical and neuromorphic devices, but the central emphasis is on creating data-driven methods and infrastructure that can guide experiments, improve efficiency, and strengthen collaboration between computation and experiment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop machine learning-ready data resources for materials by integrating literature, in-house, and newly generated experimental data

  • Build surrogate and predictive models that connect composition, molecular structure, synthesis and processing conditions, morphology, and device-relevant properties

  • Design active learning, Bayesian optimization, uncertainty-aware modeling, and other adaptive experimental design workflows to guide experiments and improve data efficiency in autonomous platforms such as the Polybot

  • Work closely with experimental researchers to integrate AI/ML workflows into closed-loop autonomous synthesis, fabrication, and characterization; translate model predictions into experimental campaigns; and update models using newly acquired data

  • Contribute to strategies for generating diverse, high-value datasets, identifying meaningful descriptors and representations, and building reproducible computational pipelines, workflow automation, and data infrastructure that support long-term autonomous laboratory capabilities

  • Share research outcomes through publications, presentations, software, datasets, and internal reports

Position Requirements

  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, polymer science, physics, computer science, and/or data science

  • Demonstrated accomplishments in materials informatics, scientific machine learning, or AI-guided experimental design

  • Strong Python and scientific computing skills, including experience with tools such as NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, and machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar

  • Experience developing surrogate models, predictive models, or adaptive learning workflows for scientific or engineering applications

  • Strong interest in working closely with experimental researchers in a laboratory-centered environment

  • Evidence of independent research productivity through publications, software, datasets, or similar outputs

  • Excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams

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

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with active learning, Bayesian optimization, adaptive experimental design, reinforcement learning for experiments, or uncertainty quantification

  • Experience with autonomous, self-driving, or robotic laboratory platforms

  • Background in electronic polymers, conjugated polymers, organic semiconductors, soft materials, electrochemical materials, or related functional materials

  • Experience integrating literature, experimental, and simulation datasets into unified, machine learning-ready workflows

  • Familiarity with cheminformatics or polymer informatics, molecular representations, descriptor engineering, RDKit, characterization-informed modeling, multimodal data fusion, interpretable machine learning, NLP, text mining, or automated extraction of materials data from the literature

  • Experience with workflow automation, data infrastructure, database development, reproducible research pipelines, and collaborative environments that span computation, data science, and experiment

Application Materials

  • Updated CV/Resume

  • Unofficial Ph.D. transcripts

  • If already awarded, acopy of the Ph.D. diploma

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe 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.