Postdoctoral Research Associate - Artificial Photosynthesis

Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 82,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for its Artificial Photosynthesis group. The role involves conducting energy research, synthesizing catalysts, and collaborating with a team of scientists. Candidates should have a PhD in Chemistry or a related field and must possess strong synthetic skills and a publication record.

This is a 2-year appointment with a salary range of $82,000–$85,000 per year, subject to renewal based on performance.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in chemistry or a related field is required.
• Experience with catalytic reactions is essential.
• Strong writing and publications showcase communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists from the AP group.
• Synthesize catalysts and chromophores.
• Conduct mechanistic studies and perform photochemical studies.

Skills

Synthetic skills in organic, inorganic, and/or organometallic chemistry

Experience 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 related field

Tools

Time‑resolved spectroscopies

Single‑crystal X‑ray crystallography

Electrochemical techniques

Job description

Overview

The Artificial Photosynthesis (AP) group is currently seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates to conduct basic energy research. The AP group integrates expertise in chemical synthesis, catalysis, photochemistry, pulse radiolysis, and theoretical/computational chemistry to advance molecular integration and interfacial studies for solar‑to‑fuels conversion, including water oxidation, CO2 reduction beyond CO and formate, and dinitrogen reduction.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with scientists from the AP group.
• Synthesize catalysts and chromophores.
• Conduct mechanistic studies using steady‑state and time‑resolved techniques.
• Perform photochemical studies.
• Publish results and present talks and posters to the scientific community.

Position Requirements

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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with time‑resolved spectroscopies (UV/Vis transient absorption, 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.
• Salary range $82,000–$85,000 per year; salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity

Brookhaven National Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants with disabilities should contact us to request reasonable accommodation.