Electrophoretic Separations and Materials Characterization Postdoctoral Researcher

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Education program

Relocation package

Reasonable relocation assistance

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or a related field to develop electrophoretically driven silicate gel platforms for extracting and separating metals from silicate-rich feedstocks.

The role involves multidisciplinary collaboration, manuscript writing, and presenting results at conferences. A 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off is offered at the Energy Innovation Laboratory.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or comparable discipline.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Conduct experimental research on electrophoretically driven silicic acid polymerization, gel structuring, and metal extraction efficiencies under variable pH, ionic strength, and field conditions.
• Perform spectroscopic and structural characterization (EXAFS, XPS, FTIR, PDF analysis, electron microscopy) to evaluate metal adsorption mechanisms, gel morphology, and field-induced polymerization behavior.
• Design, develop, and test ligand-assisted free-flow electrophoresis systems to achieve selective electrophoretic separation of critical metals using stripped silicate matrices.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication and present research at national and international conferences and meetings.
• Coordinate experimental design, data interpretation, and method development across multiple tasks.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigator and colleagues across synchrotron spectroscopy, soft matter chemistry, and geological feedstock characterization.
• Work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team to advance research objectives.

Skills

Electrophoresis

Electrochemical separations

Ligand design

Metal extraction

English communication

Education

PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or related field

Tools

EXAFS

XPS

FTIR

PDF analysis

Electron microscopy

Job description

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or comparable discipline for the Mineral & Molecular Separations & Analysis Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on developing and validating electrophoretically driven silicate gel platforms for extraction and separation of critical metals from silicate-rich feedstocks. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of the Energy Innovation Laboratory with every other Friday off.

This role will support a multidisciplinary research effort aimed at understanding and controlling silicic acid polymerization, metal entrapment mechanisms, and ligand-assisted free-flow electrophoretic separations. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with their Principal Investigator and regularly collaborate with experts in synchrotron spectroscopy, soft matter chemistry, and geological feedstock characterization. They will operate within an interdisciplinary team environment, coordinating experimental design, data interpretation, and method development across multiple research tasks.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

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

Required

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or comparable disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Conduct experimental research on electrophoretically driven silicic acid polymerization, gel structuring, and metal extraction efficiencies under variable pH, ionic strength, and field conditions.
• Perform spectroscopic and structural characterization (EXAFS, XPS, FTIR, PDF analysis, electron microscopy) to evaluate metal adsorption mechanisms, gel morphology, and field-induced polymerization behavior.
• Design, develop, and test ligand-assisted free-flow electrophoresis systems to achieve selective electrophoretic separation of critical metals using stripped silicate matrices.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.

The ideal candidate will possess

• Experience with electrophoresis, electrochemical separations, or field-assisted extraction methods.
• Experience with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS/XANES), FTIR, XPS, or related structural characterization tools.
• Background in critical materials extraction.
• Familiarity with ligand design, metal-ligand coordination behavior, or separation science.

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.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.