Scientific/Technical Lead for STEM Programs

Argonne National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory conducting world-class research to address the nation's energy, environmental, and security challenges. STEM Learning Pathways within Institutional Partnerships supports the development of the next generation STEM workforce through immersive, connected programming, engaging over 12,000 students annually across 20+ unique programs.

We invite you to apply for the Scientific/Technical Lead for STEM Programs. In this role, you will serve as the scientific and technical lead for the National AI STEM Educator Jam, a DOE-wide initiative engaging STEM education leaders at all 17 national laboratories in a simultaneous, immersive experience using artificial intelligence to investigate authentic scientific challenges. You will be responsible for designing and evolving the scientific challenge framework, leading facilitator training, and playing a key role in planning and implementing Argonne’s local Jam event.

This hybrid position requires on-site presence a minimum of 2–3 days per week.

Responsibilities Include:

• Identify and evaluate authentic scientific problems with the potential to illuminate key AI capabilities and limitations for non-expert audiences.

• Design and develop scientific challenge frameworks that authentically integrate AI capabilities, domain science, and human judgment.

• Develop and prototype challenge content including scientific storylines, curated datasets, and LLM workflows, iteratively testing across multiple AI platforms to ensure scientific integrity and pedagogical coherence.

• Translate challenge frameworks into facilitator-ready resources that explicitly connect AI-enabled scientific inquiry to essential STEM workforce skills.

• Prepare and equip participating laboratory teams with the AI knowledge and challenge fluency needed to implement the Jam with fidelity across diverse lab environments.

• Support the planning and implementation of Argonne’s local Jam event, including presenting technical content and serving as a scientific and AI resource during the event.

• Work in a matrixed environment, coordinating with curriculum developers, the Project Manager, and support teams across Argonne and other national laboratories.

• Track and incorporate feedback from pilot testing, educators, and lab partners to iteratively improve Jam content and activities.

• Ensure all technical content and activities align with program goals, accessibility standards, and DOE priorities.

• Coordinate with the Project Manager on timeline, budget tracking, and cross-lab readiness.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, data science, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred but not required. Demonstrated technical experience and expertise may be considered in lieu of advanced education.

• Demonstrated experience working with LLMs in technical workflows, including prompt engineering, data analysis, agentic systems, and an understanding of model capabilities and limitations.

• Strong scientific foundation with demonstrated ability to apply AI tools to scientific inquiry; experience in a specific STEM domain highly desired.

• Demonstrated ability to track and interpret the rapidly evolving AI landscape, including emerging models, tools, and capabilities relevant to scientific applications.

• Ability to communicate complex AI and scientific concepts clearly to diverse technical and non-technical audiences, including researchers, educators, and policymakers.

• Experience collaborating with scientists, technical teams, and cross-functional partners.

• Experience working in a matrixed team environment.

• Proficiency with relevant technical tools (e.g., Python, Jupyter notebooks, AI/ML platforms, data visualization tools).

• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

• Preferred: experience working within a national laboratory, research institution, or higher education environment.

Additional Information

• This is a term position funded for 12 months, with potential for extension based on initiative success and future funding.

• The position requires on-site presence at Argonne's campus in Lemont, Illinois, a minimum of 2-3 days per week.

• Travel to participating national laboratories and DOE events may be required.

The selected candidate will be placed in the appropriate level (PT2 or PT3) depending upon depth and breadth of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience brought to the position. The requirements for the desired levels are as follows:

• PT2: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent. The expected range for this level is: $69,750 - $108,810.
• PT3: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent. The expected range for this level is: $86.299 - $134,626.

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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.