Postdoctoral Appointee - Small Molecule Activation, Onsite

Sacbar; Livermore (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories seeks a postdoctoral appointee to advance catalytic approaches for small molecule activation, focusing on metal hydride and organometallic catalysts that enable ammonia and fuel production. The role emphasizes synthesis, characterization, and collaboration with computational and experimental teams.

The position involves cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary mentoring, and the dissemination of findings through publications and conferences, with onsite work in

Qualifications

• Recent PhD in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science or related field.
• Hands-on catalyst synthesis and characterization experience.
• Strong publication and conference record.
• U.S. citizen or eligible for export-controlled work.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize inorganic, organic, and organometallic compounds.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to accelerate catalytic research for fuels and chemicals.
• Communicate progress through reports, papers, and presentations.

Skills

Catalyst synthesis

Glove-box techniques

X-ray diffraction

Neutron diffraction

Electron microscopy

NMR spectroscopy

Computational modeling

Organometallic chemistry

Education

PhD in chemistry / electrochemistry / materials science

Tools

X-ray/x-ray/neutron diffraction

NMR

Electron microscopy

Synchrotron-based spectroscopy

Job description

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas.

Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a highly motivated POSTDOCTORAL APPOINTEE to develop advanced catalytic approaches for small molecule activation, focusing on novel metal hydride and organometallic catalysts that efficiently activate dinitrogen and dihydrogen bonds for ammonia and fuel synthesis. Research involves two primary themes: (1) the synthesis of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for small molecule activation (H2, N2, CO2), including thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic routes that convert these small molecules to fuels, and (2) the development of innovative ammonia chemical looping processes using metal hydrides and imides. This research is driven by the national need for durable, high-performance catalysts and materials capable of efficient and reliable operation under realistic industrial conditions, enabling cost-effective production of fuels and fertilizers. This research aims to enable rational design of inorganic and organometallic catalysts by changing the chemical composition and local atomic arrangements in crystalline or amorphous configurations. The focus is on understanding processes governing small molecule activation (thermally/electrochemically), effects of interfaces, as well as elucidating kinetic isotope effects.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Design, synthesize, and characterize novel inorganic, organic, and organometallic compounds, including growing X-ray quality crystals and utilizing X-ray and/or neutron diffraction, NMR, and synchrotron-based spectroscopic techniques.
• Collaborate with a large multidisciplinary team, working closely with experts in computational modeling, systems engineering, advanced characterization and artificial intelligence/data science to accelerate the discovery of new (electro)catalytic processes for cost- and atom-efficient production of fuels and fertilizers
• Communicate technical progress, milestones, and research findings through written reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at internal and external meetings and conferences

For additional information, please visit https://www.sandia.gov/research/research-foundations/

Qualifications We Require

• A recent PhD in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, or related field with a strong emphasis on synthesis of new catalysts and their characterization.
• Direct, hands‑on experience with catalyst synthesis, glove-box techniques, and characterization techniques (spectroscopy tools, X-ray and/or neutron diffraction, electron microscopy).
• Strong record of research expertise in the form of technical publications and conference presentations
• This position requires access to export‑controlled or ITAR information. Only U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees or refugees) are eligible for consideration.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite

Qualifications We Desire

Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Small molecule activation using chemical and electrochemical approaches.
• Synthesis and characterization of organometallic compounds and/or small organic molecules.
• Advanced characterization techniques, such as single‑crystal/powder XRD, neutron methods, soft X‑ray techniques, small‑angle X‑ray scattering, XPS, TEM, solution-state and solid‑state NMR, gas chromatography, mass‑spectroscopy.

About Our Team

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. We are a world‑class team of scientists, engineers, technologists, post docs, and visiting researchers all focused on cutting‑edge technology, ranging from homeland defense, global security, biotechnology, and environmental preservation to energy and combustion research, computer security, and nuclear defense.

To learn more, visit http://www.sandia.gov.

The Hydrogen and Materials Science Department provides expertise to advance the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the use of hydrogen and its isotopes in areas relevant to Sandia's energy and nuclear deterrence missions. Staff conduct research that spans fundamental science to engineered materials in nationally recognized experimental facilities for hydrogen science. Focus areas include: fundamental understanding of material structure and behavior with respect to compatibility and aging in gaseous environments, analysis of hydrogen's long‑term impact on structural materials, science‑basis to inform hydrogen safety codes and standards, gas behavior for risk analysis, development of thermochemical technology for hydrogen production, and solid‑state and liquid storage for light duty vehicles and stationary applications.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

Sandia will conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.

If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non‑Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on‑site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Position Information

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.