Predoctoral Appointee – Python Developer

Argonne National Laboratory in the Vehicle and Mobility Systems department (VMS) is seeking a full-time Predoctoral Appointee to support the development, enhancement, and maintenance of Python-based software applications, AI-enabled tools and research computing tools. This position focuses on software engineering and application development to support scientific and technical workflows, including desktop applications, web applications, automation, testing, data interfaces, and database-connected tools.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, implementation, testing, and support of maintainable, scalable, and user-oriented software solutions that support research activities and operational needs. The role may also involve applying AI and machine learning techniques to analyze data, improve workflows, develop predictive or adaptive capabilities, and enhance the functionality of research software tools. The position requires strong programming skills, sound software development practices, and the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

The Predoctoral Appointee will contribute to the development of Python-based software frameworks, applications, and utilities used in support of scientific and engineering projects. The role includes software design, coding, testing, debugging, documentation, deployment support, and ongoing maintenance of software systems and workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing, developing, testing, and maintaining Python-based software applications and utilities.

• Developing software components that support data ingestion, transformation, storage, retrieval, and application integration.

• Applying machine learning frameworks and tools, including TensorFlow and PyTorch

• Leveraging large language models such as Claude, ChatGPT, and related AI assistants to support software development, data analysis, automation, and intelligent research applications.

• Interfacing software applications with databases and structured data sources, including MongoDB, SQLite, relational databases, XML, and JSON-based systems.

• Writing and maintaining SQL queries and supporting database-driven application functionality.

• Developing automation tools and scripts to improve workflow efficiency, reliability, and reproducibility.

• Supporting web scraping and browser automation workflows using Python, Selenium, and related tools.

• Performing unit testing, functional testing, debugging, troubleshooting, and code validation using tools such as pytest, unittest/pyunit, or similar testing frameworks.

• Developing plotting and visualization components using libraries such as Matplotlib.

• Supporting technical workflows that may also involve MATLAB for scripting, prototyping, or interoperability with research tools.

• Participating in software configuration management and collaborative development using tools such as Git, SVN, and JIRA.

• Supporting software usability, maintainability, and long-term sustainability in a research and development environment.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be completed master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, information systems, applied mathematics, engineering, or a related technical field.

• Experience with Python software development.

• Experience using Python libraries and frameworks such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.

• Experience interfacing software with databases and structured data systems, including MongoDB, SQLite, relational databases, XML, and JSON.

• Experience writing and maintaining SQL queries.

• Experience with web scraping, browser automation, or web interaction tools such as Selenium.

• Experience with software testing using pytest, unittest/pyunit, or similar testing frameworks.

• Experience with Python desktop and web development frameworks such as Tkinter, Django, Flask is a bonus

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team research environment.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building and maintaining software applications in a scientific, engineering, research, or technical environment.

• Familiarity with software development life cycle practices, including source control, code review, testing, deployment, and documentation.

• Experience with software architecture, modular design, and reusable code development.

• Experience with scripting and workflow automation.

• Familiarity with API integration, web services, or system interoperability.

• Experience with packaging and distributing Python applications.

• Familiarity with user interface design and usability considerations for desktop or web applications.

• Background in science, engineering, transportation, energy systems, economics, or a related applied domain.

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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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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.

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