Group Leader: Catalysis

The Chemical Sciences & Engineering Division is seeking qualified candidates for Group Leader of the Catalysis research group.

As a group leader, the role provides scientific leadership and direction to members of the catalysis staff by defining group research goals, strategies for achieving these goals, and then implementing these strategies in order to maintain a high-profile research program as viewed by the national and international catalysis research community.

As research scientist, the role will initiate and conduct basic research in the areas of homogeneous and/or heterogeneous catalysis focused on the discovery of new catalytic materials and processes. Materials development will focus on elucidating the chemical and physical properties (physical, structural, thermodynamic, etc.) of new catalytic materials and how these properties influence catalytic performance by providing insight into reaction mechanisms and pathways that generates fundamental knowledge that is applicable to the mission of the DOE, other sponsors, and Argonne.

The Catalysis Group Leader:

• Plans, initiates, directs and conducts high-quality creative and innovative catalytic research through inter-divisional collaborations and with varied corporate/industrial entities, academia, and other National Laboratories

• Accepts major responsibility for leading a high-profile catalysis program including the securing new project funding through the timely completion of research/project objectives within the established budgetary and available staff resources

• Contributes seminal knowledge to specific chemistry fields or disciplines through innovative research and publication thereof

• Develops new ideas, concepts, and/or research proposals to create programmatic growth for the Division

• Organizes or participates in national and international scientific symposia as a contributor and in scientific/technical society activities as an organizer and/or a participant

• Maintains cognizance of worldwide progress in pertinent fields and/or discipline in which incumbent and his subordinates are working

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, along with 15+ years of experience beyond a postdoctoral position, demonstrating a strong track record in both fundamental and applied catalysis

• Knowledge in homogenous and/or heterogenous catalysis; mechanistic and kinetic studies; advanced characterization (e.g. X-ray adsorption spectroscopy); synthesis, structure and reactivity of isolated active sites, including surface organometallic catalysts; novel reaction processes

• Publication record and peer recognition in the fields of catalysis and organometallic chemistry as indicated by invitations to major international conferences and specialized workshops

• Considerable experience in directing and leading large research programs consisting of multiple investigators in the areas of homogeneous and/or heterogeneous catalysis, with responsibility for programmatic development and growth

• Demonstrated skill in formulating scientific problems and in the design and conduct of experiments

• Considerable skill in understanding abstract concepts and in synthesizing knowledge

• Oral, written, and presentation skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with varied internal and external contacts (corporate, university, and other National Laboratories) to achieve high level goals

• Leadership skills and the ability to mentor subordinate researchers

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

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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.

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