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60 Argonne National Laboratory Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs Hiring in Lemont, IL

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Argonne National Laboratory Jobs Information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in a relevant field, strong research methodology skills, and a track record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, or programming languages is often required, depending on the research area. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective written and verbal communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to scientific advancement, and securing future academic or industry positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Postdoctoral Research Associates when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral Research Associates often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple research projects, securing independent funding, and developing a unique research identity separate from their advisor. Navigating the transition also involves building professional networks and gaining experience in grant writing, mentoring, and publishing as a lead author. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating across disciplines can help ease these challenges and support a successful move to an independent research career.

What is a Postdoctoral Research Associate?

A Postdoctoral Research Associate, often called a postdoc, is a person who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in scholarly research as part of a temporary position, usually at a university or research institution. The role is designed to deepen their expertise in a specific field, contribute to research projects, publish academic papers, and develop skills for future independent research or academic positions. Postdocs typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator (PI) and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsIndustry, corporate R&D, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, research institutesPrivate companies, biotech, pharma, tech firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral Research Associates typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research institutions focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but may work in industry settings with broader responsibilities, including product development and applied research. The main difference lies in the work environment and career stage, with Postdoctoral Research Associates usually in early career research roles and Research Scientists in more advanced, industry-focused positions.

What is it like to work at Argonne National Laboratory?

Argonne National Laboratory is a collaborative and innovative research environment that values diversity, inclusion, and teamwork, fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect among its employees.

As a leading research center, Argonne offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in fields such as advanced materials, energy, and national security, with a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and technicians from various backgrounds and disciplines.

Working at Argonne National Laboratory may appeal to candidates who are passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global challenges, as the laboratory provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and development, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
What are the most popular jobs at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont?
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Postdoctoral Research Scholar - General Particle Theory

Postdoctoral Research Scholar - General Particle Theory

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$72.88K - $121.47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Particle Theory Group in the High Energy Physics Division at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for one or more Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in theoretical particle physics. The search is broad, covering all areas of theoretical particle physics, with particular emphasis on particle physics phenomenology.

Members in the Particle Theory Group work on physics within and beyond the Standard Model, including effective field theories and perturbative QCD, phenomenology at current and future colliders, as well as emerging areas in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Information and Quantum Simulation.

The successful candidate will be expected to carry out an independent and collaborative research program in particle theory that strengthens and complements existing efforts in the group and the division.

The Argonne High Energy Physics Division provides a vibrant and collaborative research environment. In addition to a strong theory program, the Division has an extensive experimental portfolio, including participation in the ATLAS experiment at the Energy Frontier; the DUNE, Mu2e, and g-2 experiments at the Intensity Frontier; and SPT-3G, LSST DESC, DES, and the Roman Space Telescope in the Cosmic Frontier.

The Division is also engaged in physics preparations for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), the development of advanced accelerator technologies (such as the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator), and novel superconducting detector technologies. There is an additional theoretical effort in computational cosmology.

The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year, contingent on performance and available funding.

Position Requirements

  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in physics or a closely related field

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

Application materials should include:

  • Cover Letter

  • Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications

  • Research statement outlining interests in relation to the advertised position

  • Qualified candidates will be asked to provide three letters of reference

For full consideration, please apply at your earliest convenience. The position will remain open until filled.

If you have any questions, you may email Tim Hobbs at tim@anl.gov or Ian Low @ Ilow@anl.gov.

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.