Postdoc: AI-Driven Spectroscopy & Autonomous Experiments

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications from highly motivated researchers to develop and operate automated spectroscopy platforms (IR, Raman, NMR) for solution-phase reactions. You will implement AI/ML-guided, closed-loop experiments that adaptively select conditions to detect weak signals and build data workflows for multimodal data integration with simulations.

You will collaborate with ORNL staff and students, plan and execute projects, and present results at conferences and

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or related field.
• Experience with vibrational (IR, Raman) and/or NMR spectroscopy.
• Experience with laboratory automation, instrument control, or autonomous experimentation using Python.
• Experience applying machine learning to experimental data.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operate automated spectroscopy platforms (IR, Raman, NMR) for measurements of solution-phase reactions across varied solvent environments and reaction conditions.
• Implement AI/ML-guided, closed-loop experiments that adaptively select conditions to detect weak, transient spectroscopic signals.
• Build data acquisition and analysis workflows for multimodal spectroscopic data and work with computational collaborators to integrate measurements with simulations.
• Participate in project planning and execution.
• Work with ORNL staff and other postdoctoral research associates and students to accomplish the research goals.
• Present and report research results at meetings and conferences and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Skills

Vibrational spectroscopy (IR/Raman)

NMR spectroscopy

Laboratory automation

Python programming

Machine learning

Written and oral communication

Independence / self-starter

Adaptability in fast-paced environment

Instrument control

Education

PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications from highly motivated researchers to develop and operate automated spectroscopy platforms (IR, Raman, NMR) for solution-phase reactions. You will implement AI/ML-guided, closed-loop experiments that adaptively select conditions to detect weak signals and build data workflows for multimodal data integration with simulations.

You will collaborate with ORNL staff and students, plan and execute projects, and present results at conferences and