Biomass Electroconversion Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemical engineering, chemistry, or materials science to advance electrochemical conversion of bio-derived organics at the Idaho Falls facility. The role involves reactor design, catalyst development, and publication of results.

The position requires a PhD completed within the last five years and US citizenship. You will work in a multidisciplinary team, publish manuscripts, and present at national/international

Qualifications

• PhD must be completed by appointment start and within the last five years.
• Demonstrated electrocatalysis or electrolyzer development experience.
• Experience designing, conducting, and interpreting lab experiments.
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong oral and written English communication.

Responsibilities

• Publish scientific manuscripts in journals and present results at conferences.
• Collaborate across directorates and with federal labs on electrolyzer projects.
• Develop electrolyzer technology for bio-derived feedstocks and reactors.

Skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or materials science

Tools

XRD

Electron microscopy

Synchrotron techniques

Spectroscopy

HPLC

GC-MS

NMR

Job description

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or comparable discipline for the Energy & Environment Science & Technology Directorate. This postdoctoral position will focus on the electrochemical conversion of bio-derived organics, including reactor design and catalyst development. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in an interdisciplinary team in developing electrolyzer technology that can operate on bio-derived hydrocarbons. Reaction of interest includes a range of oxidation and reduction reactions, along with Kolbe coupling and electrochemical hydrogenation. An emphasis will be placed on electrolysis that can operate using minimally purified fermentation broths and other complex bio-derived feedstocks and will incorporate elements of electrode/catalyst design to maximize selective, conversion, and durability. Cross collaboration within the directorate and with other federal labs is anticipated, along with participation in characterization experiments planned at DOE synchrotron radiation facilities.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Required:

• PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or closely related field.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrate research experience in electrocatalysis and/or electrolyzer development.
• Experience in designing, conducting, and interpreting laboratory experiments.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
• This position requires US Citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience in electrochemical conversion of organic molecules, including both anodic and cathodic chemistries.
• Experience designing/operating flow cells and similar continuous electrochemical systems.
• Experience in catalyst design and synthesis.
• Experience with catalysts characterization methods, including XRD, electron microscopy.
• Experience with synchrotron diffraction and spectroscopy methods, including associated analysis and modeling packages.
• Experience in performing electrocatalysis with complex feedstocks.
• Experience with analytical methods, such as HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, and so on.
• Demonstrate a strong track record of publishing manuscripts, presenting at international conferences, preparing technical reports, and writing proposals.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally move up to 50 pounds using carts/dollies to move equipment into place. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.