Field-Assisted Separations Postdoctoral Research Associate at Idaho National Laboratory

Wayne State University; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 94,629 - 115,658; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits

401(k) with employer contribution and match

Paid time off

Employee Education Program

Job summary

Wayne State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Idaho Falls. The role focuses on advancing physical and chemical separation methodologies with critical materials recovery emphasis. The successful candidate will use capillary electrophoresis to investigate novel ligand systems and lead the development of innovative separation strategies.

Qualifications include a PhD in a relevant field and strong communication skills. Benefits include medical, dental, vision plans, and a 401(k). The position offers an annual salary of $105,144.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Design novel ligand systems using capillary electrophoresis.
• Lead construction and performance testing of electrophoresis apparatuses.
• Develop advanced analytical instrumentation skills.
• Document results and prepare manuscripts.
• Present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor students.
• Contribute to proposal development.

Skills

Chemical separations

Electrophoretic separations

Metal-ligand chemistry

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or comparable discipline

Job description

Field-Assisted Separations Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: Idaho Falls, ID, United States (On-site)

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemistry, Separation Science, or comparable discipline for the Mineral & Molecular Separations & Analysis Department. This postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in advancing next-generation physical and chemical separation methodologies with an emphasis on critical materials recovery and purification. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of innovative ligand-assisted electrophoretic and magnetophoretic technologies, integrating fundamental chemistry with applied separation science.

In this role the researcher will design and investigate novel ligand systems using capillary electrophoresis to elucidate metal‑ligand interactions, separation efficiencies, and transport behaviors. They will also lead the construction, optimization, and performance testing of free‑flowing electrophoresis apparatuses to evaluate separation strategies at multiple scales. The researcher will develop advanced analytical instrumentation skills, including method development, instrument calibration, and quantitative analysis.

Beyond experimental research, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for documenting results, preparing high‑quality manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals, presenting research findings at conferences, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, mentoring students, and contributing to proposal development.

The candidate is expected to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, be self‑motivated, and take direction from peers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and investigating novel ligand systems using capillary electrophoresis.
• Leading construction, optimization, and performance testing of free‑flowing electrophoresis apparatuses.
• Developing advanced analytical instrumentation skills.
• Documenting results and preparing manuscripts.
• Presenting findings at national and international conferences.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and mentoring students.
• Contributing to proposal development.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or comparable discipline completed within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience in chemical separations.
• Experience in electrophoretic separations.
• Strong metal‑ligand chemistry background.

Physical requirements:

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, and working in office and laboratory environments.
• Hand/finger dexterity to operate equipment.
• Ability to move up to 50 pounds with carts or dollies.
• Visual acuity, hearing capacity, and reasonable accommodations as needed.

Pay range: $105,144.00 annually.

Benefits:

• 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.
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions).
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

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.