Postdoctoral Research Associate - Artificial Photosynthesis

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 82,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates to engage in basic energy research within the Artificial Photosynthesis group. The candidates will collaborate with scientists on synthesizing catalysts and conducting mechanistic studies, with a focus on innovative photochemical methods.

The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in a relevant field and demonstrate strong experience in synthetic skills. The position offers a salary range of $82,000 to $85,000, emphasizing a commitment to research and collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or related field required.
• Experience with relevant instrumentation for kinetics and mechanism.
• Publication history demonstrating writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize catalysts and chromophores.
• Conduct mechanistic studies and photochemical studies.
• Publish results and present findings to the scientific community.

Skills

Synthetic skills in organic, inorganic or organometallic chemistry

Skills in homogeneous and/or heterogeneous catalytic reactions

Good writing and communication skills

Ability to work in a collaborative team environment

Education

PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Time-resolved spectroscopies

Single-crystal X-ray crystallography

Electrochemical techniques

Synchrotron-based techniques

Job description

The Artificial Photosynthesis (AP) group is currently seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates to conduct basic energy research. The AP group conducts integrated research with complementary expertise in chemical synthesis, catalysis, photochemistry, pulse radiolysis, and theoretical/computational chemistry.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidates will work collaboratively with a team of scientists from the AP group. Duties include the synthesis of catalysts and chromophores, mechanistic studies using steady‑state and time‑resolved techniques, photochemical studies, publication of results, and presentation of talks and posters to the wider scientific community.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Synthetic skills in organic, inorganic or organometallic chemistry.
• Skills in homogeneous and/or heterogeneous catalytic reactions, an understanding of mechanisms, and experience using relevant instrumentation to probe kinetics and mechanism.
• Good writing and communication skills as evidenced by a publication history.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with time‑resolved spectroscopies such as UV/Vis transient absorption and time‑resolved infrared.
• Experience with single‑crystal X‑ray crystallography.
• Experience with electrochemical techniques including the use of gas diffusion electrodes.
• Experience with synchrotron‑based techniques (XAS, XPS, XRD, RIXS) for molecular and heterogeneous catalysts, including in‑situ and in‑operando methods.

Additional Information

• Initial 2‑year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $82,000 to $85,000 per year.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post‑doc or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life‑changing events.
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer‑Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We 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. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor