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Postdoctoral Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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$25.8K

$60.8K

$86K

How much do postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral in Chicago, IL is $60,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral researcher?

Postdoctoral researchers, often called 'postdocs,' are individuals who have completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and are engaged in further academic or scientific research. They typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member to gain additional training, develop new skills, and contribute to research projects. Postdocs are a common step for those pursuing academic careers, but their experience can also be valuable for roles in industry or government. The position is usually temporary, lasting from one to several years, allowing researchers to deepen their expertise in a specialized field.

What are some common challenges postdoctoral researchers face when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral researchers often encounter challenges such as balancing the demands of publishing, securing funding, and developing their own research identity while still working under a principal investigator. Navigating the path to independence can also involve building a professional network and gaining experience in grant writing and project management. Supportive mentors and institutional resources can help, but it's important to proactively seek out opportunities for leadership and collaboration to position yourself for future faculty or industry roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher, you need an advanced degree (usually a PhD), strong research skills, and deep subject matter expertise in your field. Proficiency with data analysis tools, laboratory techniques, and research software such as Python, R, or MATLAB is often required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills set candidates apart by enabling effective teamwork and dissemination of findings. These abilities are vital for driving original research, publishing impactful work, and advancing academic or industry careers.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoralResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) often requiredMaster's or Ph.D., depending on the field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsPrimarily industry and corporate sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral researchers typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research institutions to gain specialized experience. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but are employed in industry or corporate R&D settings. While both roles involve research, Postdoctoral positions are usually temporary and focused on academic advancement, whereas Research Scientists are often permanent staff working on applied projects in industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Postdoctoral jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Postdoctoral job openings:

Postdoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,801 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Hydrometallurgical Process Engineering and Chemical Separations

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, assemble, operate, and troubleshoot bench- and pilot-scale chemical process equipment

  • Plan and execute experiments related to separation processes, fluid handling, and process intensification

  • Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to assess process performance, stability, and scale-up considerations

Job description

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research in chemical process engineering, separations, and process intensification for recovery of critical materials from primary and secondary feedstocks. Responsibilities may include designing, constructing, and operating new experimental systems; supporting bench- and pilot-scale testing of hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, solvent (liquid-liquid) extraction, and adsorption; evaluating process performance and operability; developing test plans and standard operating procedures; assisting with data analysis and technical documentation; and contributing to publications, reports, and sponsor deliverables.
The successful candidate will work closely with staff researchers and technical teams and will be expected to contribute to a safe, collaborative, and results-oriented research environment. The work will emphasize process engineering, experimental systems, and data-driven evaluation of process performance, with opportunities to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and external partners across national laboratory, university, and industrial settings.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, assemble, operate, and troubleshoot bench- and pilot-scale chemical process equipment
  • Plan and execute experiments related to separation processes, fluid handling, and process intensification
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to assess process performance, stability, and scale-up considerations
  • Support development of process documentation, including test plans, operating procedures, and technical reports
  • Contribute to integration of instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems for experimental platforms
  • Work with aqueous and organic chemical systems and support characterization of process streams
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists, engineers, data scientists, and external project partners
  • Present results in internal reviews, sponsor meetings, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
  • Maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance with laboratory requirements
  • Contributes to the development of white papers and proposals seeking support from existing and new research sponsors

Position Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related discipline completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed
  • Knowledge and experience in experimental research involving chemical or process systems
  • Familiarity with process instrumentation, sensors, controls, or data acquisition systems
  • Experience with one or more programming or analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar platforms
  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Record of publications, presentations, or other technical outputs commensurate with career stage
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
  • Experience with inorganic chemical separation processes such as solvent extraction, adsorption, ion exchange, or related unit operations preferred but not required
  • Knowledge and experience in aqueous lanthanide/rare earth chemistry preferred but not required
  • Experience with rotating mechanical equipment preferred but not required

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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